Jumping a fence at night with paint and supplies in hand - the destination is a wall that, in your imagination, is a public gallery. Cops and escape are much on your mind. So is the history of art, meaning Banksy and Shepard Fairey and a million anonymous hobos, dispossessed youths and anarchist painters.
You have to be young or rebelliously old to enjoy the ramifications of graffiti.
For most people, graffiti is like, so 80's. That means one of 2 things: they might Love the 80's, in which case graffiti gets a free ride. Or they may see street art as hideously over-exposed. If you're Republican, graffiti has little chance of approval no matter What the perspective.
But graffiti has revivified itself stylistically through stencil and wheat paste poster modes. Indeed, Shepard Fairey's "Hope" piece for Obama has given poster graffiti a very positive cachet for many people - most of them Democrats, to be sure.
In graffiti the classics include:
* Roman and Greek examples
* historic hobo symbols
* "Kilroy was here," WWII style.
* "Dick Nixon before he dicks you," 70's anti-Vietnam war style.
* Berlin Wall anti-communist writing.
* NYC train wildstyle tagging; associated w hip-hop culture.
* full-scale satiric paintings a la Banksy (see illus above).
* Jean-Michel Basquiat-style, NYC, 80's.
* Keith Haring-style, NYC, 80's.
* Commercial work as sponsored by Adidas and Sony.
* As seen in video games.
* Sao Paulo surreal.
* Wheat paste and Sticker art.
* Stencil art.
Classic graffiti has the spirit of anarchy.
From Wikipedia:
Terrance Lindall, an artist and executive director of the Williamsburg Art and Historic Center, said regarding graffiti and the exhibition:[52]
"Graffiti is revolutionary, in my opinion," he says, "and any revolution might be considered a crime. People who are oppressed or suppressed need an outlet, so they write on walls—it’s free."
A 2006 exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum displayed graffiti as an art form that began in New York's outer boroughs and reached great heights in the early '80s with the work of Crash, Lee, Daze, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
The developments of graffiti art which took place in art galleries and colleges as well as "on the street" or "underground", contributed to the resurfacing in the 1990s of a far more overtly politicized art form in the subvertising, culture jamming or tactical media movements.
In most countries, graffiti art remains illegal in many forms except when using non-permanent paint. Since the 1990s a growing number of artists are switching to non-permanent paints for a variety of reasons -- but primarily because is it difficult for the police to apprehend and for the courts to sentence or even convict a person for a protest that is as fleeting and less intrusive than marching in the streets. In some communities, such impermanent works survive longer than works created with permanent paints because the community views the work in the same vein as that of the civil protestor who marches in the street -- such protest are impermanent but effective nevertheless.
The British street artist Banksy has become one of the world's pre-eminent practicioners and success stories. Please read about him by clicking here.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Highly recommended, with 3 peppers: Shreveportbossierfunguide.com
Plan your Fine Arts review experiences by searching for theater, films, art exhibits, and lectures via ShreveportBossierFunGuide.com.
You may also recommend it to those producing arts events, such a school plays and concerts. Tell them at the bottom of the home page they will find Submit An Event. It takes about 2 mins to fill out the info blanks.
When writing reviews please consult the guidelines at Fine Arts Magnet. Submit via GoogleDocs only. Thanks!
You may also recommend it to those producing arts events, such a school plays and concerts. Tell them at the bottom of the home page they will find Submit An Event. It takes about 2 mins to fill out the info blanks.
When writing reviews please consult the guidelines at Fine Arts Magnet. Submit via GoogleDocs only. Thanks!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Guidelines for comparison essays in Fine Arts
The elements that will guide essay writing in Fine Arts class include:
1. Colorful opening. There are 3 recommended ways to create an interest-getting opening: a) use a quote b) ask a question c) write with vivid description.
2. Blend the topics continually in the paper. Do not write a block of material about one topic and then write a separate block about the other topic. Integrate the topics as you offer insight and evidence.
3) Use comparison terms:
* different from,
* the same,
* Both,
* similar to,
* Neither, ... nor,
* like X is (adjective),
* ... than X is (adverb) than.
* both, ...
* either...or
* likewise
* similarly
* although,
* but neither...
* nor
* however
* on the other hand
4. Specific examples must be used to support generalities. An example:
generality - "'The Incredibles' was an awesome movie. Loved it."
specific - "'The Incredibles' appealed to me because the characters, especially the mom and the teen sister, were believable. They sounded like people I know."
5. Grammar counts.
6. Spelling, too, counts. When in doubt, see a dictionary or ask me.
7. Punctuation is paramount. Again, ask me or consult your English class guide.
8. Include documentation via "according to ...". This means include your source - from World Book to your little brother - in the body of your writing. Usually you place it at the end of the first or second sentence, says Grammar For Today.
9. Write a snappy title and an explanatory subtitle. Ways to make a title fun are to tweak a song or movie title or use alliteration.
Example: Dinkas are Incredibles; Many refugees from the Sudanese Dinka tribe have moved from poverty in east Africa to comfort in the US.
10. Finally, please don't put quotation marks around your title - unless you are quoting someone.
1. Colorful opening. There are 3 recommended ways to create an interest-getting opening: a) use a quote b) ask a question c) write with vivid description.
2. Blend the topics continually in the paper. Do not write a block of material about one topic and then write a separate block about the other topic. Integrate the topics as you offer insight and evidence.
3) Use comparison terms:
* different from,
* the same,
* Both,
* similar to,
* Neither, ... nor,
* like X is (adjective),
* ... than X is (adverb) than.
* both, ...
* either...or
* likewise
* similarly
* although,
* but neither...
* nor
* however
* on the other hand
4. Specific examples must be used to support generalities. An example:
generality - "'The Incredibles' was an awesome movie. Loved it."
specific - "'The Incredibles' appealed to me because the characters, especially the mom and the teen sister, were believable. They sounded like people I know."
5. Grammar counts.
6. Spelling, too, counts. When in doubt, see a dictionary or ask me.
7. Punctuation is paramount. Again, ask me or consult your English class guide.
8. Include documentation via "according to ...". This means include your source - from World Book to your little brother - in the body of your writing. Usually you place it at the end of the first or second sentence, says Grammar For Today.
9. Write a snappy title and an explanatory subtitle. Ways to make a title fun are to tweak a song or movie title or use alliteration.
Example: Dinkas are Incredibles; Many refugees from the Sudanese Dinka tribe have moved from poverty in east Africa to comfort in the US.
10. Finally, please don't put quotation marks around your title - unless you are quoting someone.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Homework: read my daily updates to Fine Arts Magnet
There is no textbook for Fine Arts Survey. But your teacher loves his work and will post material on the class blog daily. The site Fine Arts Magnet becomes the text.
Tests on class activities, class notes and readings will be based on the notes posted on Fine Arts Magnet. Thus it is quite important that each student read the class web site daily.
The typical test will be an Open Notes Quiz. In a change from last year's procedures, I will require that all students use only printed or written notes. Personal web browsers will not be allowed.
The idea is to prepare your information management skills in such a way that your success in school (and beyond) will be assured.
Reading notes on Fine Art Magnet will, most days, be your only homework. Scan the notes, then print them and put them in a folder or binder. You may cut and paste when you feel it will save paper and ink.
One of the key developmental activities this year is growth in reading comprehension. The typical test includes questions designed to test the accuracy of your reading. Some questions will test your ability to interpret the notes. Test questions will be based on the multiple choice format.
Readings may be lengthy. I endeavor to edit longer pieces to make them manageable. Nonetheless, I expect you to read them - on a daily basis - and ask questions about the material.
Tests on class activities, class notes and readings will be based on the notes posted on Fine Arts Magnet. Thus it is quite important that each student read the class web site daily.
The typical test will be an Open Notes Quiz. In a change from last year's procedures, I will require that all students use only printed or written notes. Personal web browsers will not be allowed.
The idea is to prepare your information management skills in such a way that your success in school (and beyond) will be assured.
Reading notes on Fine Art Magnet will, most days, be your only homework. Scan the notes, then print them and put them in a folder or binder. You may cut and paste when you feel it will save paper and ink.
One of the key developmental activities this year is growth in reading comprehension. The typical test includes questions designed to test the accuracy of your reading. Some questions will test your ability to interpret the notes. Test questions will be based on the multiple choice format.
Readings may be lengthy. I endeavor to edit longer pieces to make them manageable. Nonetheless, I expect you to read them - on a daily basis - and ask questions about the material.
Fine Arts computer in the classroom policy
While the class will frequently visit the computer lab and library, I see value in independent use of personal computers in the classroom.
Personal computers are a difficult item at school. While some students have the discipline to stay on task, it is tantalizingly easy to slip away from the instructional activities. It's my goal to help students integrate the personal unit into class in a productive mode. To do that I have to be able to monitor student use. Sadly, if I cannot easily see the screen then I must ask the student to forego use of the unit.
Acceptable use -
* Taking typed notes.
* Researching definitions of class terminology.
* Googling items discussed in class for additional background and the latest news.
Non-acceptable use -
* visiting sites other than those germane to the work above.
* recording audio or video of classroom activities unless permission is requested and granted - on a per-activity basis.
* students will not be allowed to use personal units on Open Notes Quizzes.
Accountability -
* I will check each student's screen on a regular basis. Students will at all times orient toward the teacher so that I can quickly review it.
* I will ask all students for a closer look at their screen on a random basis.
* Finding a student on a non-relevant site will result in a one-week hiatus from using the unit in class.
* Repeated violations of the policy will result in a long-term ban on classroom use.
Personal computers are a difficult item at school. While some students have the discipline to stay on task, it is tantalizingly easy to slip away from the instructional activities. It's my goal to help students integrate the personal unit into class in a productive mode. To do that I have to be able to monitor student use. Sadly, if I cannot easily see the screen then I must ask the student to forego use of the unit.
Acceptable use -
* Taking typed notes.
* Researching definitions of class terminology.
* Googling items discussed in class for additional background and the latest news.
Non-acceptable use -
* visiting sites other than those germane to the work above.
* recording audio or video of classroom activities unless permission is requested and granted - on a per-activity basis.
* students will not be allowed to use personal units on Open Notes Quizzes.
Accountability -
* I will check each student's screen on a regular basis. Students will at all times orient toward the teacher so that I can quickly review it.
* I will ask all students for a closer look at their screen on a random basis.
* Finding a student on a non-relevant site will result in a one-week hiatus from using the unit in class.
* Repeated violations of the policy will result in a long-term ban on classroom use.
Going out to concerts, galleries, museums, theater and dance is the essence of Fine Arts survey (review due every 3 weeks)
Fine Arts class is all about going out!
Go to consume the riches of Shreveport's cultural scene. While the scene may not match the quality of that available in Dallas or NYC, there are offsetting advantages. Ticket prices and are lower, parking is more freely available and waiting lines are usually non-existent in Shreveport.
The most highly recommended of experiences:
* orchestral music (though the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra remains inactive, there are numerous independent concerts)
* indie movies (independent movies typically represent an exploration; mass market movies offer you a formula based on what will make money - therefore give you nothing new),
* a meal at an ethnic restaurant (it's our job to explore the alternatives outside of our comfort zones)
* teacher-approved alternative events, such as folk music or jazz or ethnic or art music.
* drama: (such as productions at Centenary College, LSUS Black Box Theater, BPCC, SLT, CMHS, etc)
* art exhibit (such as the Graffiti exhibit at Artspace).
* dance (ballet, jazz, belly dance, etc)
* special events (lectures by artists such as the series at RW Norton).
And what to do, besides be an open-minded consumer?
Write about it.
Write an essay of description and evaluation called a R e v i e w .
I'll expect to grade such an essay every 3 weeks. It's mandatory.
Go to consume the riches of Shreveport's cultural scene. While the scene may not match the quality of that available in Dallas or NYC, there are offsetting advantages. Ticket prices and are lower, parking is more freely available and waiting lines are usually non-existent in Shreveport.
The most highly recommended of experiences:
* orchestral music (though the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra remains inactive, there are numerous independent concerts)
* indie movies (independent movies typically represent an exploration; mass market movies offer you a formula based on what will make money - therefore give you nothing new),
* a meal at an ethnic restaurant (it's our job to explore the alternatives outside of our comfort zones)
* teacher-approved alternative events, such as folk music or jazz or ethnic or art music.
* drama: (such as productions at Centenary College, LSUS Black Box Theater, BPCC, SLT, CMHS, etc)
* art exhibit (such as the Graffiti exhibit at Artspace).
* dance (ballet, jazz, belly dance, etc)
* special events (lectures by artists such as the series at RW Norton).
And what to do, besides be an open-minded consumer?
Write about it.
Write an essay of description and evaluation called a R e v i e w .
I'll expect to grade such an essay every 3 weeks. It's mandatory.
Welcome to Fine Arts: Google Docs replace paper and flash drives, become your digital portfolio
Please establish a gmail.com account that is identified by your first and last name. Using periods between names is a good way to make your address unique.
ex: sarah.j.williams@gmail.com.
By that standard, my account is not done correctly. Instead of trudeau11@gmail.com I should have asked for robert.trudeau@gmail.com. But for the moment I'm staying with trudeau11@gmail.com.
This is the account that will allow you to submit papers to your teacher via GoogleDocs. Your collection of papers and projects at GoogleDocs will become, in effect, your digital portfolio.
- Your first GoogleDoc for this class will be labeled "Background" (but do Not use the quotation marks that I used).
. Please list parents’ or guardians’ names, address and cell phone numbers for both parents/guardians.
. Also list schools attended and the schools' locations.
. You may list honors won in school and outside of school.
. Please add your hobbies.
. Also: books read this summer.
. It's helpful to me if you will also add your parents' occupations and work locations.
ex: sarah.j.williams@gmail.com.
By that standard, my account is not done correctly. Instead of trudeau11@gmail.com I should have asked for robert.trudeau@gmail.com. But for the moment I'm staying with trudeau11@gmail.com.
This is the account that will allow you to submit papers to your teacher via GoogleDocs. Your collection of papers and projects at GoogleDocs will become, in effect, your digital portfolio.
- Your first GoogleDoc for this class will be labeled "Background" (but do Not use the quotation marks that I used).
. Please list parents’ or guardians’ names, address and cell phone numbers for both parents/guardians.
. Also list schools attended and the schools' locations.
. You may list honors won in school and outside of school.
. Please add your hobbies.
. Also: books read this summer.
. It's helpful to me if you will also add your parents' occupations and work locations.
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