APPRORIATENE$$

I myself believe that in some senses, things considered 'inappropriate' such as textual pictures that deal with taboo subjects (ie. sex, religion, gory battle scenes etc) are truly appropriate in art and English courses. The purpose of these classes are to broaden our knowledge of the world in full scope, including topics that some adults deem too graphic for our innocent minds. I may not speak for everyone, but we as a whole (students that is) are not that naive---and, there is a majority of us who are mature enough to not make something 'inappropriate' become a joke. Some of these graphics help to explain the task at hand better than the written word, which can only take you so far. However, such pictures are not necessary in a math or science class, because these courses deal with arithmetic and theory, and simple/safe pictures are the best option--so as not to ruffle feathers unnecessarily...

Basically appropriateness is a judgment call, which is what makes it difficult to get a feel for in school settings. But even if that is so grey, it needs to be addressed.

Post-Modernism

^ reproduction of Van Gogh's Sunflowers

I really was captured by the artwork on page 48. It depicted Mona Lisa saying "the more Van Gogh's 'sunflowers' becomes a poster cliche, the more you have to pay for the original!"..with a picture of a dollar bill with Van Gogh's 'sunflowers' replacing washington on the bill. I think it is quite humorous because it is a statement that is so true. Many famous pictures have been reproduced so many times that the actual piece itself becomes 'hidden' in a sea of fauxs and parodies. The more acient or distant an original piece is, the more people wish to have it for themselves, and the more money is spent at hoity-toity auctions for the rich that can afford these paintings.

Other Example:

Andy Warhol---"Marilyn Monroe"
da Vinci-----"Mona Lisa" and "Last Supper"

Modernism

What is modern? How can one possibly define modern? Modern is anything considered contemporary, which in itself needs another definition. Being contemporary means something to the effect of 'being in the times', but still progressive. Interior Design has a great example of modernism in real life. Clean lines, bold colors, and sometimes unclear shapes. Shapes are combined to create new shapes (a square and a circle become one (===) )

As seen in the picture above, white is a color often associated with modernism, because of the literal interpretation of 'clean lines'. The angelic qualities associated with the color white (clouds, baptismal dresses, wedding dress) white is used to show purity and polishment (and yes, I did make up the word 'polishment')

Other than that, I feel modern pieces start off modern until a new wave of modernism is defined, and the original modern work is relabeled as another type of art to make room for the new.

The Art Class: the students make a film

The purpose of this student created film was to show the perspective of a variety of stereotypical artists. The cliches included but were not limited to: an eager student, technically minded, overly conceptual, reluctant teacher. All are examples of fairly extreme personalities that represent most likely a small portion of the population they represent. I believe this allows the viewer to (in a humorous way) see that art has come from a multitude of cultural backgrounds and each group has left an impact on the world of art. It shows that art is not in a literal sense, but it is also not fully figurative either. It is a fascination with the blending of many styles, and each style evolved from the same source

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU9je55bsxk