Module 11 video Review

Matisse and Picasso

The Mystical North: Spanish Art from the 19th Century to the Present

Dada and Surrealism

    Questions and Topics for Your Blog Posting:

 

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

The first film I selected was Matisse and Picasso.  I selected this film because I wanted to learn more about Picasso after seeing an exhibit of his at the Albright Knox.  The second film was The Mystical North: Spanish Art from the 19^th Century to the Present.  I chose this film because I am also interested in the work of Goya.  I find his work and the story of his life interesting.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Matisse and Picasso-

They viewed drawing as painting but with fewer materials.  The two of them did not clash but instead had an exchange of ideas.  In 1912 Picasso invents the first collage.  Matisse sculpts like a painter. I learned that for a painter, anguish is a tool.  These two were brothers in anguish.  When Matisse could not paint anymore he cut paper to create his art.

The Mystical North-

I learned even more about Goya and his Black paintings, sketches and etchings.  His work is so interesting and full of emotion.  He went from painting colorful paintings to very dark and disturbing paintings after an illness.  I also learned about Gaudi and his mosaic style structures.  They are beautiful and original.  I was blown away seeing the apartment building that he built.  The ceilings had life to them, the floors were mosaic, the windows were different, the balconies were beautifully sculpted, as well as the chimneys and the roof.  This film also told about Picasso and that the Picasso museum was actually sculpted by him.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The videos add more in depth information about the artists that the book does not have space.  Being able to see multiple works of art by an artist helps to understand them even better.    

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

The films were very good, both were very informative.  They were able to give a better look at the life and works of the artists.  With Goya, it is like you can feel his depression through his work.  The textbook does a good job for providing basic information, but the films are able to concentrate on just a few things.  Being able to see the work of Gaudi, is something one could never fully appreciate just by reading about it.  The buildings are something that is better able to understand and get a feel for by seeing the video, it’s the next best thing to seeing it in person.