Presentations 4.28.09

Timaj: When writing a research paper on Impressionism, the sky is the limit. There are so many different angles and topics you have to choose from. I liked the examples you showed in class, and you were very informing about the characteristics of Impressionist art. However, I think I missed what your idea was, the argument that is specific to your paper. Impressionism is definitely different from other eras of art, so what kind of claim have you made about this contrast? Try to make a thesis that isn't something already commonly accepted in the art world. Something that is unique or takes a different angle possibly. Good job!

Brittany: I think Dali has some incredibly interesting work. You are definitely touching on a connection that we haven’t covered thus far in our class, and that is the relationship between psychology and art. In addition I think you talked about science and his art as well. Your presentation offered some really good interpretations of Dali’s art from other scholars and/or artists, but for your paper I would say to try and make a claim about these interpretations, or make your own conclusions/interpretations. It would be interesting to see what you see in his work, if you agree with existing literature, etc.

Jazzmin: I really like your topic on graffiti art. Although there is ancient history on it, I think it is definitely something that relates more to our generation in terms of popularity and understanding. I liked how you have decided to look at specific case studies. Your presentation was very informing. However, I was a little lost on the thesis. You said it was something about subculture dialog and making something transparent? For your paper, I would say definitely make sure to explain how these cases support your thesis. Also, just curious (doesn’t need to be in your paper), but the case studies you showed artists with completely different styles of art. For example Jean Michele Basquiat’s child-like graffiti compared to the elaborate murals and/or feminist movement. Do you see a similarities between all types of graffiti like this?

Phyllis: Whimsical art like the pieces you are researching is so fun and unique. I was in San Francisco on Tuesday night and to my surprise I ran into the bow and arrow on the Embarcadero. You showed a lot of examples of this kind of art in your presentation, but the only thing I missed was some more explanation of your thesis and focus on the metamorphic characteristics of the art as well as political issues if there are any. I think you definitely have a lot to work with, and it will be really interesting to research and learn about what kinds of interpretations have come out of existing literature or even what the average observer takes away after viewing/coming in contact with this type of art.

Sara: Your presentation was very informative, and I think the topic you are dealing with is very interesting and motivational. You made a good point to emphasize the qualities of the art from the artists perspective rather than the usual viewer/critic perspective. In terms of your paper and feminism in Chicano art, it is definitely a broad topic, so I am interested to see how you will narrow it down to a specific thesis and decide which of the many topics you will choose to cover in your research paper. You showed a lot of examples of feminism in Chicano art that cover a broad timeline, but for the limits of our paper, you might be able to deliver a very strong argument by studying just two or three specific case studies/artists/pieces to present your argument. Over all you have a lot of information available on this issue and it’s a very inspiring topic.