Blog assignment 13 (Postmodernism)

The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali. Retrieved 7th of October from: http://www.moma.org/collection/object.php?object_id=79018

      

The Simpsons in Salvador Dali's The Persistance of Memory by Zeitan. Retrieved 7th of October from: http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/wooda/171/171syllabus13chapter7.html

In postmodern variation of Salvador's Dali "The Persistence of Memory" by Zeitan the painting get an absolutely new modern meaning. As probably all modern especially young people know, Simpsons are a symbol of a modern family of the 21^st century. They represent both sides of modern families - ridicule negative features and underline positive ones. The appearance of Simpsons on The persistence of memory brings a new cultural message and tries to make people thing about the future instead of turning back to the past. Simpsons in The Persistence of Memory is a parody but I think it is already a new art object itself. What I personally really like abut it is that it does respect the original painting. It does not make fun of it but has a dose of healthy irony. The author “builds” something completely new and creative using famous Dali’s painting as a historical quotation and a base for it. Kaufman states that states that modern design “is the planning and making of objects suited to our way of life, our abilities, our ideals.” (Kaufman, 1948 as sited at Woodham  p.187). I consider this  parody is a very good example implementation of his words.

References:

1.Woodham, J. (1997), Pop to Post-Modernism: Changing Values in Twentieth-Century Design (p. 187) Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press

Blog assignment 12 (Politics of Design)

Solar-powered house by Victoria University of Wellington students. Retrieved from: http://firstlighthouse.ac.nz/home/

People today become more and more concerned and interested in an issue of environmental pollution. Of course designers cannot stay away and try to find ways to support and develop ecology on the planet. “Green ideology” is fortunately becoming more and more popular. Almost every supermarket today offers its customers to buy food packed using ecologically friendly materials and “green shopping bags” instead of plastic ones. Another important goal was achieved by students of Victoria University of Wellington, who managed to design and built ecologically friendly house which is called “solar-powered house”. It is using solar power, which is a renewable source for household needs of energy.  If houses such as “solar-powered house” will get a wider spread much less nonrenewable resources such as oil or coal will be used and  consequently less waste will get into the water and atmosphere as solar energy does not produce any waste at all. I strongly believe that appearance of such products on the market will give a huge jolt in solving environmental problems on the Earth.  

Blog assignment 11 ( Modernism: standardisation, rationalisation, and the search for the universal)

Design of coca-cola bottle aimed at mass-production. Retrieved September  24 from:  http://asianmalerevolutions.com/remember/i-propaganda-consumerism--origins-of-mass-media/

Hannes Meyer, the Swiss-born architect appointed director of the Bauhaus in 1928, argued that design is a product of “function x economy”, aligning design with a scientific model driven by new technologies and manufacturing potential. I agree with opinion that design nowadays becomes more and more scientific and less artistic. Today design is aimed more at mass production and collective needs rather than individual taste and preferences. This tendency was reinforced with the advent of first and then Second World War when social goals and needs were set higher than private. Modernism simplified design but made it more complicated at the same time. Even though appearance of things became less complex the process of making started to involve new machine technologies which requires special scientific engineering knowledge. Lissitsky states that “The new art is formed, not on a subjective, but on an objective basis.” (Lissitsky as stated in Raizman, 1918-44, p. 74) Which means that artists apply less personal attitude to their work. Personally, I do not think that this is what design should be like. I believe that design is all about self-expression of an artist. It is obvious that in 21^st century design for mass production is an essential part of design. But there still has to be place for pure art in our life.

References:
1.Raizman, D. (2004). The First Machine Age in Europe, in History of Modern Design, New Jersey: Prentice Hall Inc.

Blog assignment 10 (the symbolic universe)

The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo (Sistine Chapel) Retrieved September 18th from: https://briarcroft.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/an-advent-tapestry-our-hearts-are-restless/

I think one of good examples of symbolic universes today can be different new religions. Religious people acknowledge themselves as a part of divine world created by God who is the father of all people. Whenever newborn comes to the world he or she is already a part of the supernal universe and as he or she rises he or she starts to learn from elder people about the God and how everything that exists in the world has been created and starts to perceive him or herself as integral part of that universe. And for that person it cannot be otherwise. It does not depend on him or her. He or she was born as a part of that universe, everyone else in his or her understanding is a part of it and it does not matter whether that person is believer or not. It was just meant to be so. People are powerless to affect it.

I believe that design plays an important role in straightening the faith of people. It implicates iconography and architecture that can create a unique feeling of divine greatness and omnipresence. In turn media plays an important role in spread of religion by propaganda of religion through printed production and TV and radio programmes.

Blog assignment 9 (New Media)

Ekaterina's palace 1751, Tsarskoe selo, St. Petersburg Russia. Retrieved September 9 from http://tickitnow.com/?p=museum&view=4

In his essay “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” Benjamin claims that “To an ever greater degree the work of art reproduced becomes the work of art designed for reproducibility. From a photographic negative, for example, one can make any number of prints; to ask for the authentic print makes no sense.” (Benjamin 1935, p. 4) I can not agree more with that statement. In the age of digital and mechanical reproduction, the work of art appears as something, that is meant to be  reproduced. As a comparison, looking back to the past I want to turn to Ekaterina’s Palace in Saint Petersburg – architectural monument of the Tsarist Russia. Nowadays it is considered as a unique work of art. However originally it was built as a house for living. In Russian Imperia not only queen could afford apartments like that. Rich and wealthy Russian dynasties also lived in luxurious palaces. With new technologies houses are built way faster and they are not unique. If we will have a look at house of Russian person today it would be an easy to reproduce architectural object, which will scarcely likely will ever become a work of art. With the advent of the Bolsheviks houses started to be built on the same project to support the socialist idea of absolute equality between people, so most houses looked absolutely the same. Same thing happened to the art in whole. Since 20^th century new media takes a huge place in art and it continues to defend it’s right to be a significant part of art. The tendency shows that cinema becomes more and more popular while theatre takes a back seat. It is also not a secret that more and more people become interested in photography and less – in art. According to Petty, with new media technologies art work loses it’s aura (M.Petty, personal communication, September 7, 2011). “Authentic” art still exists but it is probably about to extinct in few centuries.


References: 1. Benjamin, W. (1935). The Work of Art in the Age of the Mechanical Reproduction.

Blog assignment 5 (Colors)

The very first understanding of color was supported by Newton’s theory, which was based on mathematics and physics. In Newton’s view spectrum of colors appeared as the refracted rays of light. Being a scientist but not artist he did not consider subjective perception of color. This invention was made by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in the beginning of the 19^th century – hundred years later than Newton’s theory. It was a great chance for artists to improve their knowledge of color through the experimentation and learn how to control color. The idea of using strong contrast was Matisse’s inspiration for his painting “Night café” where he is playing with contrast of green, red and yellow. Colors look differently and express not artist’s actual seeing of things but his understanding and perception. Painting “The red studio” is a great example of expression of after-image. It was also important for artists to find out how colors change depending on light. “The light which illuminates hues changes them considerably; blue appears green by candle light and yellow appears white; blue appears white by weak daylight, as the beginning of night.” (Gage, 1993 p.192).


References: Gage, J. (1993). Colours of the Mind in Colour and Culture: Practice and Meaning from Antiquity to Abstraction (pp.192). New York: Thames and Hudson.

Blog assignment 4 (Ornament and Crime)

Figure 1. Ikea. Green White living room. Retrieved from: http://elyounes.com/2010/12/14/living-room-green-interior-paint-ideas-for-fresh-home-design/green-white-living-room-paint-ideas-by-ikea/

Adolf Loos argued in 1908 that, “The evolution of culture is synonymous with the removal of ornament from objects of daily use.” (Loos, 1910, p.76) I do not support such a point of view. I think that ornament helps to make things beautiful and unique. What if we imagine for a second that people abandoned ornament at all. There is no ornament anymore. People are surrounded by dull plain things and surfaces. All the furniture, dishes, wallpapers, clothing, everything is the same. All the people use very similar or even the same things. That would remind me of an incubator. People would start losing their individualities. Everyone has his (or her) own taste and chooses individually things that would be pleasant to use every day particularly for that person, considering his (or her) preferences. He calls those people who does not share that idea “hob goblins” (Loos, 1910, p.76) which I think is too strong and even offensive. I think that good supportive argument can never be offensive. He says: “I had thought to introduce a new joy into the world: but it has not thanked me for it.” (Loos, 1910, p.76)To convince someone in his (or her) views person should first learn to respect the opinion of the views of the opponent, which Loos didn’t. That’s probably the reason why he failed. I cannot judge if he is right or wrong about ornament. Personally I think that presence of ornamentation can be rater good or bad depending on a particular object. For instance a on a picture above a piece of ornamentation can be seen, which in my opinion is quite good. Black and white stripped rug fits into interior quite well, supporting minimalistic style of the room. But even if Loos is right and ornament should be removed, then he was too revolutionary in his desire to get rid of it. As known, changes never happen quickly and people need time to accept and appreciate innovations.

References: Loos A. (1910). Ornament and Crime. 

Blog assignment 2 (Beauty and Utility)

A Duncan Phyfe Empire table (New Orleans Auctions, 2007), complete with winged figures, carved columns, gilding and paw feet.

The image is taken from: http://rarevictorian.com/2009/06/empire-furniture-isnt-always-empire-furniture.html

 Beauty & Utility

In The Grammar of Ornament (1856) Owen Jones argued that, “Construction should be decorated. Decoration should never be purposely constructed.” In my opinion it means that the design object should first of all be useful and not over decorated. The ornament or any other type of decoration should not interrupt the structure. It should be just a supportive element, not a separate independent object. The first picture shows an example of “decoration constructed”. The angel-shape harps are elements of the table structure. Used instead of normal legs they don’t let the table top fall down. As well as paw feet.

Personally I support Owen Jones’ idea and I think it’s right, but I cannot fully agree with his statement. In that design argument I would sit on the fence. I do agree that design is not only about aesthetics, but also about functionality. On one hand things are constructed in such way that they look beautiful but their beauty damages their functionality that makes them useless and inconvenient. According to Jones (1856), Pugin was convinced that that kind of random unsystematic decoration, appeared as the result of greed and self-interest. On the other hand design is all about creativity and cannot be bounded by such strict rules. Sometimes decoration should be closely intertwined with construction, otherwise it will not implement the idea of the author.

References: Jones O., 1856, Design,Society, and Standarts

Blog assignment 2 (Continuing Curve)

Chippendale Rococo Mirror, 1762. 

Fine rococo carving, with flowers, leaves, bullrushes and birds.

The image is taken from: http://www.furniturestyles.net/european/english/mid-georgian.html

 

I believe that the existence of the Continuing Curve in design is a consequence of ” sensuous impulse” which is according to P. Hunter-Stiebel is a “human desire to appeal the senses with a softened form. The trend of using curved lines in design reached it’s peak in Rococo  in the middle of 18^th century period from 30^th to 70^th, which was the time when people were pleased with  soft undulating feminine forms, inspired by nature. They were surrounded by expensive over decorated furniture and everyday things, Shouting about their wealth, designed following the S-curve in their soft shapes and smooth surfaces.

A historical example of the “Continuing Curve” could be a Chippendale Rococo Mirror, 1762, you can see on the picture above. It is decorated a lot with natural shapes and carving such as flowers and birds. It looks quite expensive pointing out it’s owner’s wealth and daring taste.

 Wiggle Chair by Fank Gehry 1972

The image is taken from: http://www.furniturefashion.com/2009/02/10/the_wiggle_chair_cardboard_furniture_from_frank_gehry_and_vitra.html 

 

Finally, as can be seen on the second picture, two centuries later the “Continuing curve” finds it’s reflection in the Wiggle Chair designed by quite famous postmodern designer Frank Gehry in 1972. The S-curve and the softness of the shape can be clearly seen in that work, however the chair doesn’t seem to look extravagant, the material and the style are very different and innovative.

 

Blog assignment 1 (An important item of design)

Picture frame.

 Nobody knows exactly where and when was the first frame invented and who designed it. One of the earliest examples was a wooden frame which was enframing fayum mummy portrait Egyptian tomb dating back to 2nd century A.D. Even though frame was designed a long time ago it is still commonly used everywhere around the world. Famose artists are framing their masterpieces enhance it while ordinary people use frames to decorate their pictures and photos and hang it on the walls of their houses. despite the fact that the usual frame itself does not worth a fig and hardly would be an object of anyone's interest, it completely changes the impression people get when they look at the picture it's enframing. Well-matched frame can support the impression the effect of the picture and add a particular style to it. Finally framed mirror is able to create a special mood to a person looking at it.