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I decided to go to the High Art Museum in Atlanta, GA on Easter Sunday after church to enjoy a day to myself. I wanted to visit the art museum as a personal experience and just to see the set up and feel the aura in the museum. It was a great learning and relaxing experience and I can definitely see myself visiting more museums in the future, my goal is to visit the Bob Marley Museum in Jamaica next year.

This is one of the first pieces of work that I was able to see when I got to the museum. This sculpture was created in the 1950’s by an Igbo Artist in Nigeria, the artist’s name is unknown. This work was created in dedication to Mami Wata, who is a female water spirit who has multiple powers and is celebrated in Africa for her aquatic spirits. In the photo to the right on the bottom photo, you can see the original work from which this piece was created.

This piece of art was one of my favorite works that I was able to view at the High Museum. The artist of this work, Flora, is Chauncey Bradley Ives and was created in 1852. I feel like this one stood out the most to me because it is a nude female subject and I’ve learned, since being in this class, that nude art is my favorite type of art. I love how the artist associated the flowers around the bottom and the floral halo band was a great feminine touch that also helped me to be intrigued by this piece.

This piece of work was also created by Chauncey Bradley Ives that caught my attention. This work is one of is more famous pieces that he’s created. This work is a sculpture of a medieval legend, Undine, who is a soulless sea spirit that is popular in European history. Ives created this vengeful creature in a more victimized sculpture rising from the water to seek revenge of her unfaithful husband. This is a very beautiful piece of work to me and after reading the background behind the sculpture made me more interested.

This is also one of my favorite works that I was able to view while at the museum. Diana is a roman goddess of the hunt. In my opinion, she looks like a beautiful strong stallion who is in control of everything. In this piece the subject is holding a bow in her left hand and restraining her hunting dog in her right had. This piece just seems so strong and independent to me and I feel like it some what relates to me in a way.

I loved this bicycle piece of work, it was so colorful and intriguing to me.This is actually like two different pieces of art in one. The artist created this piece after deciding to retire the tools he used to repair his bicycle. He molded the tools in Paradise Garden and the bike lingered above it as a reminder for the trade he practiced before being called to make “sacred art”. This piece has been described as the perfect vehicle for carrying the Word. This piece seems to be very powerful spiritually and I’m happy I was able to be able to see this beautiful art. This piece also made me want to ride a bike again.

This piece of work was one of my favorites as well during my visit at the museum. This was a oil painting and just how it stood out on the white background caught my attention. This would be considered pop art, which we learned about earlier this semester. It’s a very beautiful painting to me, it seems like a happy, confident and fun smile. I love it.

See a mirror, take a picture lol. Of course this one stood out to me because I could see myself. This work was created out of hard-coated tempered glass with wooden beams. while looking at myself in the mirror, it seem like it was a depth to the reflection or like it’s three or more layers to the mirror. I feel like the artist created this piece for viewers to analyze and view the world through the mirror or to truly see themselves.

I really enjoyed my time at the art museum to myself, it was a great experience and I probably would’ve never went if I didn’t have to take this class but I’m happy I did. I loved all of the art work I was able to view and the history and meaning behind each of the pieces.

High Art Museum- Atlanta

After speaking with my mom and doing a bit of my own research, I’ve learned that culture is one’s belief’s, knowledge and traits in one’s society as well as their values and heritage is the way things have been done in the past with the people in my society, as in the everyday practices that we’ve learned over the years from our ancestors.

In my first image choice, I selected a painting of an African American congregation attending church. I feel like this is a part of my heritage because for millions of years, it has been a  known tradition for black families to attend Church as Christians. I don’t particularly claim a religion but I do know that people of my family, including my ancestors, all went to church to feel closer to God and I still follow this today, although I feel like I have my own relationship with Him. I feel like this a valued tradition that is a part of my heritage because at one point we weren’t able to do this. This image is a perfect example of how African American churches came together every Sunday, dressed in their best with they’re hands raised and their voices shouting.

In my second image choice, I selected a piece that shows how African Americans worked on the cotton fields during slavery. I feel like this reflects my personal cultural heritage because I am of course African American and I am also proud of how far we have come as a race from where we were. I feel like this piece is just the cover or the known part in history of what African Americans had to experience, it doesn’t show the racism and all of the other difficulties we had to face simply because we were black. This is a valued part in my culture because shows why African Americans are as strong as they are today.

In my third image choice, I selected a painting of all of the greatest hip hop artists in history. This piece and all of the subjects in it play a huge part in my culture and African American history. This is a part of my heritage culture because a lot (not all) of African American listen to hip-hop and rap music and the subjects in this piece is where it all started from, from NWA to Tupac and Biggie, Queen Latifa and Slick Rick as well as many more. A lot of music from African American artists and other artists as well have all used the subjects in this piece to inspire their work. The artist style, they way they dress and rap or sing are still used in this generation today.

In my last image choice, I would consider the best for last. In this piece, it’s a transformation of the two greatest men in African American history to make a difference. Marin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama are two of the most respected figures in the African American community and culture. Martin Luther King Jr. has always been known to be a peace maker between races and wanting everyone to come together as one, without the hate and anger that was passed down to all races from their ancestors. Barack Obama is known to be the first African American as a United States President, which was one of our culture’s greatest achievements. I feel like this piece is very valuable in my personal cultural heritage because they both believe in equality, peace, and that one day a difference would be made in this world because of the two men in this work.

I chose to create my meme based on how I feel about being single right now. I feel like the internet provides many of memes about living a positive life, relationships, friendships and numerous of other topics. I do feel like some memes can be considered art depending on what content was used and how it was used and also how it is perceived by the viewer. I do consider some memes as a form of art depending on how it appeals to me. I feel like anything can be a form of art, but for me, in order for me to view it as art it has to be something close to how I’m feeling and thinking at the time. The meme that I created isn’t that humorous to me like other memes but I feel like it a positive, self-loving, independent meme and that’s what I’m focusing on in life right now.

I believe Truism is a way to say something which is very true that will also make you think about the saying to really understand what it’s trying to explain. After reading about Jenny Holzer, I learned that she was one of the best known artists to use truism in 1977-79 and her sayings are still displayed all over the world today. She went from writing her thoughts and ideas of her sayings on random sheets of papers and then began placing her work on large displays in the 1980’s which was big in Time Square, New York. Holzer’s truism’s spoke about society, life, oppression and many other subjects that aren’t spoken about as much as they should.

If my home was to burn down to the ground today, the only thing I would even think about saving is my dog.

His name is Thug, (don’t judge me, I was young when I named him lol) and I’ve had him since he was 6 weeks so that’s like my baby or my child. This dog has been with me through so many of my trials and hard times that I can’t image my life without him. I’ve moved about 5 times since I first got him  and he’s with me everywhere I go, no matter what.

I feel like everything else is materialistic and can be replaced, whether it may be clothes, jewelry or even money, it can all be replaced; but the love that you receive from a dog is something that is irreplaceable. Of course you can always get another dog but it’s not the same, it’s like starting over a whole new relationship.

I don’t have any expensive jewelry, I don’t have large sums of money stored in the house, and all of my pictures are stored safely in the cloud so all I really need is my dog because he always makes a way to make me feel better when everything seems like it’s falling apart. I love him.

Formal Analysis: The American Gothic is a painting by Grant Wood that was created in 1930. In the painting, the male subject is holding a hayfork and looking directly at the viewer however the woman subject is standing to the side of the male staring off into the distance. The male subject is wearing a white shirt with blue jean overalls and a navy blue blazer. The female subject appears to be wearing a dress over a button up collar shirt. The two subjects appear to be standing in front of a home possibly on a barn. Neither of the subjects show any emotion. Because of the setting and the clothing of each of the subjects it seems as though this portrait was created in modern Western times.

Contextual Analysis: In the painting, it appears to be a married couple who live on a barn during Midwestern times. Based on the painting it’s hard to depict exactly how the subjects relationship is because they don’t seem to show any emotion or connection between the two. It is said that the artist used his sister and the town’s local dentist as subjects in this painting, so the man and the woman aren’t actually in relationship at all.

Shabi, K. “American Gothic Meaning: Grant Wood Painting Interpretation & Analysis.” Legomenon, 24 December 2014, http://legomenon.com/american-gothic-meaning-grant-wood-painting.html. 1 March 2017.

Biographical Analysis: This painting was created based on the hometown in which the artist is from: Eldon, Iowa. The artist, Grant Wood was traveling to Chicago for an art exhibition looking for inspiration and he came across the home which is in the background of the painting and began working on his most famous work. Grant Wood moved from his hometown after the death of his father and moved to Cedar Rapids. This painting was created in the 20th century with a 19th century theme so the artist may have created this painting based on his perception of how the people in that town may have been at that time.

“American Gothic.” Totally History, http://totallyhistory.com/american-gothic/. 1 March 2017.

Personal Interpretation: In my opinion, this painting has always been so boring and bland. I never really understood the significance of this painting and why it was so famous. Without actually reading the background on the painting I feel like this painting is very irrelevant. It doesn’t have any emotion and it just seems like it doesn’t really hold any value or character at all.

However, on the other hand, it does help the viewer see how people looked and dressed during that time. It makes the viewer want to understand why the woman looks so upset and what is the farmer really looking at. This painting does raise a lot of questions of why but I guess that’s what makes it interesting. I feel like this painting would appeal to someone who is from that area or that time who would be able to understand and perceive this painting a little better. I still personally don’t care for the painting because it doesn’t spark my interest, he’s old and he looks mean and she doesn’t express any type of emotion and she looks mean as well.

There are 3 different works of Art. Representational works of art is a piece that is easily identifiable, meaning every subject in the piece is recognizable. Abstract works of art is a piece that is still identifiable but kind of in between representational and non-objective, the subject can still be recognized but the artist adds more detail to appear differently. Non-objective works of art is a piece that is hard to identify but once actually viewing the piece in depth the piece becomes more recognizable.

This piece of art is my first example of representational imagery. It’s a nude woman who seems to be seating so gracefully in all her nakedness. This piece less representational than my next example because it doesn’t have all of body parts to complete the subject but it had all of the necessary parts for the viewer to be able to identify what the work is.

My second example of representational imagery is a nude woman who seems to be thinking deeply, possibly in despair. This is a great example of representational imagery because it’s clearly a woman who is nude based on the features used for the subject. This work of art is more representational that the previous example because it has everything to complete the subject including the features in the hair which makes it more obvious of the subject being a woman.

My third example of representational imagery is a nude woman who is lying down with her fingers in her hair. This piece is more representational than the previous examples because the artist adds more of a feminine touch.

My first example of abstract imagery is a painting of a nude woman comfortably in her room. This work of art is more abstract than my previous example because of the specific color used in certain places and the shading. It is less abstract than my next example because it’s kind of abstract and representational because although it is an abstract image it can still be recognized as a nude woman.

This work of art is an example of abstract imagery because the artist uses regular lines and specific shading and color to depict a woman. It is more abstract than my previous example because although the viewer would still be able to identify this painting as a woman, it’s hard to tell until you recognize the subjects legs and chest because the face isn’t complete. This piece is less abstract than my next example because the painting can still be easily depicted.

This art work is an example of abstract imagery and is more abstract than my previous examples because the two-tone colors the artist used and the way the subject is positioned. At first look it seems it could be a thick wavy line but if looked closely, the human body of a woman is depicted. This piece is less non-objective than my next example because it’s recognized as a woman in the shadow.

My first example for non-objective imagery is a woman playing a mandolin. This piece is more non-objective than my last example because of the shapes and forms used by the artist, the piece isn’t realistic. This work of art is less non-objective than my next example because the use of regular lines in this piece make it easier to depict what the subject is.

This work of art is an example of non-objective imagery. This piece is more non-objective than my last example because the artist uses different pieces or shapes to make a subject which makes it harder to depict what the subject is because it’s not seen in reality. This piece is less non-objective than my next piece because unrealistic based of the material used to create this piece.

This piece is my last example of non-objective imagery. This work of art is more non-objective than my last example because the artist combines a nude woman with an ape which definitely is something you don’t see in reality. However the author still incorporates a nude woman in the portrait.

In the photo above, it is a photo of an African American family praying over their dinner. My first impression of this photo was that it was possible traditional Sunday dinner or maybe Thanksgiving and all of the family joined together and prayed together before they ate to bless the food. I feel like this piece of art is about family and being that I’m big on family, this portrait really stood out to me and was important to me because that’s how I see my family. I believe the artist is trying to explain that family is important as well as praying with your family together. I feel like the artist used unity in this portrait to bring everything together, from the details of each of the dishes for dinner to the details of each of the family members holding hands. One thing that I didn’t notice at first was in the top right corner it appears to be another room with other family members praying, which the artist uses subordination. Maybe the artist was trying to convey that prayer always brings family together even if separated. The family members in the back room may be the younger siblings in the family who had to have their own table while the adults sat at the table together, but the artist made it a point that everyone in the portrait is praying.

In the photo above, it is a photo of my front yard. I know for the most part people wouldn’t consider this as art but I feel like nature can be art as well. I like to sit outside during the day sometimes and just look out and breathe and think and speak positive things out loud to the world and I feel like this is the perfect place to do it. Looking at this photo and when I sit outside just gives me a sense of peace; like sitting in the middle of the ocean feeling the great air and no one or nothing bothering me. I know it’s probably a lot of people who sit outside in their front yard and probably do the same thing but what I like most about my yard is how far it is away from the street so it’s more secluded and quiet. I also love the tall trees, especially during the Fall season when all of the leaves are colorful; it’s beautiful.

In my opinion, Art can be seen in all aspects of life and I feel like art is created based on what the artist sees, hears or has experienced. Art can be seen in portraits, music, paintings, and even words. In the photo I have included, it is a tattoo that I have on my leg. It is a black woman with dreadlocks that’s also half tiger; which in my eyes is a woman who can conquer anything. This tattoo closely relates to my definition of Art being Reflective because it reflects everything I’ve been through and I’m still surviving. From the course, I’ve learned that Art can take may forms, but what one may view as art another one may view as trash. I feel like there isn’t any real way to explain what art exactly is, it just depends on the person’s perceptive on the piece their viewing. Beauty isn’t Art; Art is Beauty no matter what form it is because the artist is creating their reflection to what’s around them and everyone’s mind is different and beautiful in it’s own way. Beauty is a consideration for me when it comes to art but it isn’t apart of my definition of art because beauty is also seen in many different ways. In order for me to personally view something as art it would have to be appealing to me in some way, either my life or my views on life all together. Art is a beautiful thing, it just depends on how you see it.

Hello Everyone!

My name is Schematta Bass but it’ll probably be easier for you to just say Mottie, lol it’s not as hard as it looks though I promise. I’m 24 years old and I’ll be 25 in September and I’m majoring in computer science. I completed a year of college back in Fall and Spring semester of 2011-2012 but I had to take a few years off to work and figure out what I really wanted to do and I’m still trying to figure it out, so I would consider this my freshman year or sophomore year, either one lol. I feel very good working with computers so I’m hoping for a career that I can make use of my degree and I plan on continuing to get my bachelors degree in computer science as well maybe at Georgia State Atlanta. I’m not exactly sure where I want to go in life but I’m sure I want to accomplish something positive and be successful and make the most out of this life that I have. I don’t really have a background in Art because I suck at drawing lol the most I’ve done close to art is coloring in a coloring book which I love. However I would like to view more art because I feel like it teaches you so much in so many ways. I love to travel and see the world because it just broadens your mind and helps you experience and live life!