Mini Post 3

The Feast and Famine exhibit presents a new perspective on how we view food based off of our society today. It demonstrates a connection that one may not always correlate in regards to food. In retrospect, it brings light to issues regarding race, consumerism, health, etc. These views and issues that we hold in today's society are also similar to the beliefs of individuals that can be traced back all the way to the Renaissance, as learned in class. These issues are often brushed off, allowing it to have been passed down so many generations and although it may not be a grand topic as it may have been in the past, these issues are still prevalent and should be addressed. Yet, many people hate to discuss the seriousness and horrible truth in society, for they don't want to confirm to situations that have happened over the years. Tying this subject matter with art allows for the viewer to identify and address these problems that is being showcased to them and bringing food into the equation, can bring understanding on how more common these issues can be.

The Liberation of Lady J and UB, Renee Cox

Renee Cox created The Liberation of Lady J and UB to explore the ideas of racism and sexism that exists in branding in our society. Competing with many different companies that were being put forth to consumers were difficult, which allowed for advertising to be developed. Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben is being advertised on the food products presented in the photo on the left. They were characters that were created based off of the reflection of ideas and views that developed in society in the past. In today's society, individuals don't see the true meaning that these characters have tugged along throughout these years. For example, Uncle Ben is a slang word used in the past that is not so pleasant, while Aunt Jemima is a former slave. Now, presenting these characters as presented on the left, allows for the audience to perceive them as the heroes they are. Creating this super hero character allows for them to be liberated compared to what these old characters say and what they meant and why they are still present in today's world.

Chris Thorsons Boxed In and Harvest Fresh

We are also presented with this social construct developed purposely by manufacturers. Chris Thorsons pieces Boxed In and Harvest Fresh capture the glamorized idea society has on what is good and bad to consume. Although the potatoes presented may appear raw, dull and malnourished, they in fact have beneficial factors than the fruit presented in the box. We see the bright colors and big grown fruit and believe it is ripped and will be delicious! Yet, this contradicts the claim because it is grown larger and with more prominent colors due to the chemicals pumped into these fruits, stripping away the true nutritional factors that were intended. Bringing an understanding of the misconception that has been passed over the years.

Chris Thorsons Boxed In and Harvest Fresh

Post 4

Qui Ying, Spring Dawn in the Han Palace,1500-1550

This piece by Qui Ying was painted during the Ming Dynasty. The painting shows women in the court of the Han dynasty. Ying painted the “Spring Dawn In The Han Dynasty” on a long handscroll and this influenced the work of many artists that came after him. Qui Ying studied artwork from the Tang dynasty while he was working for an art collector and he reflected his understanding of the artwork from that period on to his painting,“Spring Dawn In The Han Dynasty”(Stokstad p.815). Stokstad describes his work, “ Qiu’s graceful and elegant figures— although modeled after those in Tang works—are situated within a carefully described setting of palace buildings. They engage in courtly pastimes, such as chess, music, calligraphy, and painting. With its antique subject matter, refined technique, brilliant color, and controlled composition, Spring  Dawn in the Han Palace brought professional painting to another level”(Stokstad p.815). Ying was one of the most notable painters of the Ming Dynasty.

Dong Qichang, The Qingbian Mountains, 1617

This piece by Dong Qichang was painted during the Ming Dynasty. The painting “The Qingbian Mountains”  was based on a work by an artist Dong Yuan. Dong Yuan was from the tenth-century, although it was based on his work, Dong still added a unique sense of style. It painting had visuals of foreground, middle ground, and mountains, everything being spacious (Stokstad p.820). All the elements seemed to be compressed to the surface of the picture.  Something peculiar about the picture is that there are six diagonally arranged trees, symbolizing foreground and reassuring the theme(Stokstad p.820). Stokstad describes the work and states, “The tallest tree of the foreground grouping anticipates the high peak that towers in the distance almost directly above it, while the forms of the smaller foreground trees, especially the one with the darkest leaves, are repeated in many variations across the painting. At the same time, the ordinary-looking boulder in the foreground is transformed in the conglomeration of rocks, ridges, hills, and mountains above. This double reading— both abstract and representational, on the surface and into space—parallels the work’s dual nature as a painting of a landscape and an interpretation of a traditional landscape painting”(Stokstad p.820). Qiachang introduced a new style that people were fascinated by.

Kim Hongdo, Roof Tiling, 18th Century

This piece by Kim Hongdo was painted during the Joseon Dynasty. The painting “Roof Tiling” showcased the everyday lives of the commoners. Different from other artists primarily painting and showcasing the nobility, Kim had other interests. Roof Tiling is one of a series of 25 albums that would generally display laborers working during one of there roofing projects. Stokstad describes the work and states, “ At lower right a carpenter smooths a propped up board with his plane, while two colleagues perch on the roof itself, one about to hoist up a bundle of materials and the other catching a tile that has been heaved to him from below. The seventh man, leaning on his staff at upper right to survey the work, is presumably the roofers’ supervisor. The circular figural composition animates the compressed foreground tableau and organizes the viewer’s examination of the carefully detailed workers, whose depiction is energized by active poses and expressive faces” (Stokstad p.826). Kim tells a story in his artwork and viewers of his artwork try to decipher the story he is trying to tell.

Sesshu, Winter Landscape, c.1470s

Sesshu has been regarded as one of the best Japanese painters of all time. Sesshu was on path to become Zen monk at a monastery, instead of choosing the religious ritual path he specialized in art (Stokstad p.832). Diving deeper, Sesshu trained at Shokokuji, this was where Shubun studio was located (Stokstad p.832). Having mentioned Sesshu being interested in art, he worked in the painting atelier for 20 years. This piece by Sesshu was painted during the Muromachi Period.  The painting “Winter Landscape” It depicts a cliff descending from mists located around the rocky hills. Stokstad describes Sesshu’s work and states, “Jagged brushstrokes delineate a series of rocky hills, where a lone figure makes his way to a Zen monastery. Instead of a gradual recession into space, flat, overlapping planes fracture the composition into crystalline facets. The white of the paper is left to indicate snow, while the sky is suggested by tones of gray. A few trees cling to the rocky land. The harsh chill of winter is almost palpable” (Stokstad p.832). His style of painting made showed his dedication to art.

Nagasawa Rosetsu, Bull and Puppy, Late 18th Century

This piece painted by Nagasawa Rosetsu, one of the most famous students of Okyo. Rosetsu added his own uniqueness to the style of his teacher. He would put create odd juxtapositions in his painting which surprised many of his admirers. One of his well known BULL AND PUPPY shows the odd juxtaposition that he creates in his artwork. Stokstad describes the work and states, “The bull is so immense that his mammoth body exceeds the borders of the screen, an effect undoubtedly influenced by new optical devices. The tiny puppy, white against the dark gray of the bull, helps to emphasize the bull’s huge size through its contrasting smallness. The puppy’s relaxed and informal pose, looking happily straight out at the viewer, gives this powerful painting a humorous touch that increases its charm ”(Stokstad p.841). Rosetsu uniqueness stood out  in his painting thus making him stand as artist.

Works Cited

Stokstad, Marilyn, and Michael Watt Cothren. Art History. Sixth ed., II, Pearson, 2018.

Tania Arik Extra Credit: "Life Lessons" from the Brooklyn Museum

Suzuki Harunobu, Courtesan Standing on a Veranda,
circa 1767

Suzuki Haranobu from Japan was born during the Edo period; that being the period in which most of his work was done. From class lectures, his art comes off as very big. Although it may seem that way, the museum visit has taught me otherwise. As well as the fact that his work is done on color woodblock. Which is achieved through the dedication of time and detail. Another intriguing aspect of the "Courtesan Standing on a Veranda,"is the woman in it. In the back of the woman are the shadows of musicians, which indicate that the woman has left the party. To be alone. The purpose of this artwork was to reveal the misery that overwhelms people who value and become attached to "worldly things."

Zhang Jian-Jun, Water Fire, 1992

Similarly, Jian-Jun's Water and Fire piece tells a story, as well as a lesson to the audience. His work is meant to reveal the different substances of life, such as the yin and yang. In Chinese philosophy, water and fire are part of the major elements, together forming the "wu xing." Representing a life-force also known as "qi." In Jian-Jun's two circles, the black one was set on fire and he painted the lower one to resemble water, which looks wet even after it dries. Showing us that although two things may look as if they do not fit together, they all come together to make what is known as "life."

Kang Seok Young, Untitled, 1992

In this untitled word, Korean ceramicists decide to once again, use porcelain. He uses many techniques to shape it differently and makes the material appear in a very white matter. He begins by pouring the liquid into a mold. Before the material dries up, he takes it and bends it to change its shape. His work is displayed next to other porcelain pieces. They are put next to each other to emphasize the fact that they are all made from the same material. Yet, one appears to be much more recognizable to us, as they resemble pieces that we have seen in-class lectures. This adds to the uniqueness of the object. Shall I say this is another life story? In which, humans come in different shapes and sizes. Yet are all made of the same "material."

Brooklyn Museum

Head from Sphinx

I always find it interesting that statues that were placed outside in the past have eroded noses, and that particular place comes off before anything else. As well as the eyes sometimes, the most fragile part of the body. This piece in particular was called the Female Sphinx and I thought it was lovely because it was of course a woman and she has no eyes. Something about her just drew me, and her having no eyes made her even more gorgeous. She relates to the small period where we focused on Egyptian art, the information on her said her eyes were “pried out” which speaks to the fact of European colonizers ruining some artifacts for trophies. 

Francis Guy

Winter Scene in Brooklyn

There’s a few copies of this piece and I’ve only ever seen copied images of this, and seeing it in person was such an experience compared to seeing printed versions. The awesome thing about this piece is that it is on Fulton Street in Brooklyn not far from the current waterfront and it’s amazing how much things can change in one generation, and how people can experience and see it all. 

Elektra KB 

This was a piece in the feminist gallery, and it read “I was never yours”. The image included a large female character above a group of KKK members holding a flag. I feel like this relates to slavery in the sense that women were sexually abused brutally, as well as black women were forbidden trophies during the era of the KKK. This relates to the more modern, contemporary art portion of our class. 

Martina Michelato


Extra Credit


Brooklyn Museum








In the Brooklyn museum on the second floor this piece of art caught my eye very much. It reminded me of carnival in the Dominican Republic where people wear masks similar looking to this to scare children away as part of the festival. Meanwhile this face represented the guardians used inside the temples of Japan, whose jobs were to scare off evil that was trying to enter the temple.. This is from the 13th century and is from Japan and was given as a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, the Guennol Collection.








This is the Houses of Parliament, Sunlight Effect by Claude Monet,


1903. This painting caught my attention because it reminded me about what we are learning in class about impressionism. How the light effect is hitting the painting mainly in the corner of the painting and how it perfectly reflects against the water. Also how the colors mix in to make a soothing tone for the person viewing the painting. The painter must of used multiple colors to create this color and blend.







This painting was on the second floor and is also from Japan. It caught my attention because it was such a nice painting filled with beautiful women. These women are all nicely dressed and are surrounded by what seems to be cherry blossom trees which are stunning. These women are also accompanied by children who are also beautifully dressed. I like how there is color but also the use of grays to not make the picture too bright but just right, it still captures the eye but humbly. This painting is by Kitagawa Utamaro between 1753-1806.

Post 4

Art is a sense of communication. It allows individuals from different cultures and different times to communicate with each other via images, sounds, and stories. Art can be defined as cultural documents; which provide insight into past and existing cultures, helping us to understand the life and values of other individuals.

Llama, 15th century

The llama is very important in Peruvian culture. The llama was thought to have a link with the sun, rain and fertility. A white llama was sacrificed to the sun every morning. This cultural practice such as sacrifice and offering to the gods is not one that is seen in society anymore. This provides individuals with a view on how individuals lived their lives in a religious manner.  

Baby Carrier, Eastern Sioux, 19th century 

The Sioux Baby carrier is decorated with symbols of protection and well-being. These were made by the mother who was pregnant and getting ready to have the child. On the baby carrier, there are many symbols that are believed to protect the baby. One of the symbols on the baby carrier was the thunderbird. The thunderbird is capable of protecting against both humans and the evils of the supernatural world. The llama was a sacred animal within this culture and was used as a sacrifice for the gods. This baby carrier is meant to spiritually and physically protect the child. 

Sowei Mask from the Sherbo District, Mende, 1880-1886

This Sowei mask represents ideal female beauty for the Mende people. The mask is only worn by a senior member of the Sande women's society at the initiation ceremony of young girls into the society. This indicates that these young girls are transferring into women. The Sande society has a backwards view on the roles of men and women. The men are the musicians at the ceremony and carve the sowei masks that are worn by the women. The women dance the masquerade. This dance honors the female ancestors of the past and welcomes the new generation of young women into society. The intricate details of the mask have many symbolic meanings. The small lips and eyes indicate modesty and that the voice will be used for things of importance not like gossip or slander. The long forehead indicates wisdom and generosity. As these young girls transition to women, they become wiser. The hat worn by the mask shows the creation of women of sophistication, wealth and power. This meant that they would attract husbands of similar ranks and wealth. 

Nikisi Nkondi, Congo, 19th century

The Nikisi Nkondi was made by the Kongo people. This was an object used by chiefs, elders, and diviners to help administer justice in their communities. Nkondi means "hunter" which means that they can hunt down and attack wrong doers, witches or enemies. The Nkondi is meant for divine protection of a society. This figure can act as an oath taking image as an avenger or guardian if any evil has been committed. This figure was shown to be a symbol of protection over a society. 

Blolo Bla (Female Spirit Spouse)

In comparison to the Nikski Nkondi, which was a public object, the Blolo bla was for private use. This was sculpted to represent an idealized individual and represents physical, moral and spiritual ideals of beauty. If an individual's marriage is failing, Baule spirituality explains it as an other-worldly lover who is making trouble for the living person who is the object of their affection. In order to rectify the marriage, the person is supposed to imagine what this spirit spouse looks like and pays an artist to produce a sculpture that will flatter the spirit. When the spirit is flattered, this means that the spirit will assist the individual his or her lover to have a more productive and healthy life, marriage and family. The statue takes the burden of their failing marriage off of the individual and therefore places it onto the spirit that is embodied in the statue. This helps individuals in a psychological manner since it allows a person to free themselves from any guilt they may have. The statue of the female spirit spouse has her hands placed on her stomach; this is symbolic for a woman's ability to bear and nurture children. The position the statue is standing in indicates a woman's physical strength as well as her mental one. A woman is patient and able to think or wait before acting. The figures small eyes and mouth indicate that she will not pry into other peoples business nor use her mouth to gossip. The small breasts on the statue symbolize female beauty rather than to sexualize a woman.

Art is a means of preserving culture that is no longer prevalent in todays society. Art can reflect a societies belief and cultural values. This allows individuals later on to look back at the past cultures and gives insight into the past values and compare them with the values of today. 

POST 4

Sesshu “Winter Landscape”





Sesshu is one of Shubun’s pupil, He is regarded as one of the greatest japanese painters of all time (Stokstad 832). Stokstad says “Although Shubun and his followers completed training to become Zen monks at the monastery, they specialized in art rather than in religious ritual of teaching” (Stokstad832). Taking a look at his painting we can see how cultural practices influence his artwork. Looking at his work we can see that there is a trail that leads to a Zen monastery. The work is split by a ragged line down the near the middle of the painting showing snow where the monastery is, and of the other side jagged steep rocks and mountains. The painting is grim the sky is gray giving a feel of the harsh winter they are experiencing. Yet even in this harsh winter we see a man traveling towards the monastery. A testament to the motivation and strength of belief in the Zen monastery that is the center of this artwork.








Taiga “View of Kojima bay”






This painting by Taiga was a piece that gave insight into the area which he was painting. This artwork is interesting because it has two chinese people standing to the right of the mountain in a Japanese city. Stokstad says “Because the city of Kyoto was far from the watchful eyes of the government in Edo, and the emperor resided there with his court, it enjoyed a degree of privilege and independence not found in any other Japanese city” (Stokstad 841). This allows for the influence of chinese culture in Taiga’s painting. The political problems they faced at the time because of a repressive shogunate had the city of Kyoto protest in a civil manner where they would drink chinese influenced tea (Stokstad 841). This painting is a painting of a real Japanese place by including the two chinese people in the painting he is portraying that they have become a part of Japan.








TATTOOED NATIVE OF NUKAHIVA





In the Marquesas islands the art of tattooing was very popular. It was a widespread ancient practice. As Stokstad says “e process of tattooing involves shedding blood, the most tapu (sacred) substance in Polynesia. In the Marquesas, the process for a young man of high social rank began around age 18; by age 30 he would be fully tattooed. Because of the sacredness and prestige of the process, some men continued to be tattooed until their skin was completely covered…” (Stokstad 887). This is previous quote shows how important and integral tattooes where in their culture. Men and women were tattooed and it symbolizes strength courage and sexual attractiveness. The man in the picture has a tattoos all over his body and his weapon is an indication that he is from the Marquesas Islands. His body is completely covered with tattoos and he is posed as if he was modeling for a picture. He is shown in a manner that praises his tattoos. He is only wearing a thin cloth to show all the tattoos on his body.









THE FOUNDING OF TENOCHTITLAN






In this painting which is believed to have been commissioned by Antonio Mendoza, a Spanish Conquistador, meant to be sent to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V so that the emperor could learn about his new colony it tells the story of the Aztec Empire (Stokstad 853). The painting has the layout of the city. Four quadrants separated by waterways show the outlay of the city. The eagle standing on a cactus in the center is the founding of the city. It is said that when the founders were looking for a place to establish their new city they were looking for an eagle that was standing on a cactus. When they found that they founded Tenochtitlan. The page is surrounded by the years (Stokstad 853). On the bottom is shows people battling the Spanish conquered the Aztecs. This style of painting is from an Aztec culture The drawing also shows how the quadrants were managed by leaders. A sophisticated city with an organized government. An image of the Aztec culture this drawing relates to the history of the Aztec empire, and the conquering of it when the Spanish conquistadors conquered it.