Summary of Reading in 40 words:
understanding abstract art requires having an open mind and a big imagination. Unlike realistic art, abstract pieces don't depict recognizable subjects, so we have to interpret their meaning through shapes, colors, and patterns. This type of art encourages personal interpretation, making each viewer's experience unique. To appreciate abstract art, it is best to see it in person. This allows us to notice details like texture, brush strokes, and the overall impact of the piece.
Key Words: (20)
open mind, big imagination, no right or wrong, inquiring mind, sense of composition, formal quality, shine or matte, inventiveness, representational art
Week 1
Artist Reference: Robert Delaunay (year to year)
Source: Wikipedia
Title of Work: Portuguese Woman
Year: 1916
Medium: Oil and Wax
Dimensions: 180 cm × 205 cm (71 in × 81 in)
Location: Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, in Madrid
SEE
(Describe what you see)
THINK
(Analyse & Interpret)
WONDER
(Develop Curiosity)
SEE
(Describe what you see)
THINK
(Analyse & Interpret)
WONDER
(Develop Curiosity)
What do you see? Colorful shapes or different sizes, mostly circles
What are the subjects in the Artwork?
A Portuguese woman, dressed in traditional clothing, carrying a pottery piece, carrying orphic circles at the center and surrounded by colorful plants.
What are the Elements of Art used in the Artwork? Figurative and abstract elements
What are some subjects in the foreground, middleground and background of the Artwork?
Foreground: the Portuguese woman who is the main subject
Middleground: colourful trees and plants
Background: abstract, geometric, and colorful background that sets the tone for the entire artwork
How are the subject matters arranged?
the artwork has depth, dimensions such as the placement of the woman in the foreground, blurred middleground, and abstract background elements, using overlapping shapes and colors
Why did you think the artist arranged the subjects in this manner?
The artist placed the woman in the foreground, emphasising her presence and the abstract background and middleground elements create context and atmosphere.
What do you think the Artist is trying to communicate in the artwork? How does the artwork make you feel?
The artwork conveys a lot of energy as it is very vibrant and also shows the beauty of the Portuguese woman.energized and uplifted, due to the bold and vibrant colors.
Emotional response:
How do you think the elements of art were used to convey the Artist's intentions?
The artist used color, shape, and form to create a sense of energy. Vibrant colors and shapes adds dynamics to the composition.
How was principles of design used to communicate and idea/ emotion?
He balanced bold colors and shapes with more subdued background elements, creating a good harmony.
Why do you think the Artist emphasised certain element in the work?
i think he emphasized the woman's hat and clothing, drawing attention to her face.
What are you curious about the Artwork?
the artist's inspiration and the context in which the artwork was created.
What are you wonder about the Artist's thought processes?
what drove the artist to choose such bold, vibrant colors and shapes
What is interesting to you about this Artwork? And why?
the combination of geometric shapes and abstracted forms
Are there any areas such as the title, style, or medium of the artwork that you are unsure and would like to know more?
I think the historical context in which the artwork was created
What do you like to keep, destroy or replace? Why?
I would keep the vibrant hat and the woman's face, because they are the most dynamic elements. I'd simplify or replace the background elements.
Week 2: Understanding Abstract Art
Sketches - Circles and Bubbles, Pyramids, Organic Folds
circles and bubbles
triangles and pyramids
curves [organic folds]
Week 3 to 5: Wire Sculpting Units
The Cuboid, Pyramid and Perfect Sphere
open-cube structure
Connecting a Joint
My Challenges: (30 words)
Straightening the wire properly so the sculpture stands up, as after it was bent it was hard to bend it back to its original position especially after I have twisted it more times or in many directions.
My Strategies to overcome them: (30 words)
I tried to think over and plan out how I want to bend the wire to make the sculpture before actually bending the wire so that the figure would be more sturdy. It was also important to plan what direction I want to bend the wire so that it would stand on its own.