The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption is a crime, drama film; it was released on October 14^th of 1994 in the United States and was directed by Frank Darabont. Based on imbd.com, it is rated 9.3/10 from 1,685,525 reviews. In addition, it has had 16 awards and 27 nominations and in the opening weekend it sold $727,327 in USA and it has sold around $58,500,000 gross dollars overall. Therefore I would say that this movie has been very successful. I also chose this film because it is the best rated on the Internet Movie Database. I had never heard of it and I wanted to know more about it. Many movies have been created since 1994 and this one is still first place on the list and I thought that it must be really good. The screenplay was written by Frank Arpad Darabont. This is a very sad story for the most part but it ends with a happy new beginning for some of the main characters. Here we see many examples of corruption, violence, and an unfair legal system.

This is my favorite camera shot of the Shawshank Redemption movie. I can see that a lot of effort was put into capturing one of the main characters from this angle.

At the beginning of this film there were several transitions from the court hearing to the place of the murder. It shows Andy (the main character) loading the gun with the bullets and drinking alcohol and also shows you when the prosecuting attorney is bringing those points out in front of the jury and the judge. This part is very intriguing because it left me with a big doubt and wondering whether Andy had killed his wife and her lover or not. There was a woman as part of the jury of Andy with an orange hat with flowers on the side with medium blond curly hair and red lipstick standing out from everyone in the room.

A character that brought a different taste and dynamic to this movie was Tommy. He had come into prison and met Andy. Interestingly enough Tommy had been with the man who killed Andy’s wife and her lover in another jail. When Tommy told Andy about their killer, Andy asks Warden Norton to help him get another trial where Tommy can testify and Andy could have a chance to be set free, but the person in charge completely refused and even killed Tommy. I really liked Tommy’s talents in the film. He acted very natural and original and did his role very well. His legs were even shaking when he went to meet with Warden Norton and at times he was very funny and his participation was very enthusiastic even though he was in a jail.

 

One of the symbols used in this movie is the poster of Rita Hayworth. Andy had used her poster as an encouragement to look forward to living outside of jail and to cover the hole that he was digging to escape from jail. I thought that was super clever.

 

The Shawshank Redemption original score was composed by Thomas Newman and released via Sony BMG label on September 20, 1994.

Most of the added songs were composed by Thomas Newman and these were: May, Shawshank Prison, New Fish, Rock Hammer, An Inch of His Life, Brooks Was Here, His Judgment Cometh, Suds on the Roof, Workfield,  Shawshank Redemption, Elmo Blatch, Sisters, Zihuatanejo, Lovely Raquel, And That Right Soon, Compass and guns, So Was Red, and End Title. In addition, If I Didn’t Care by Ink Spots, Lovesick Blues by Hank Williams; and  ‘che soave zeffiretto’, le nozze di Figaro by Gundula Janowitz, Edith Mathis.

One of the most remarkable settings from this movie is when Tommy is killed outside of jail by Captian Hadley. It was night and in some spots it was dark but where Tommy was standing it was light. I was really irritated when he was shot. I think of Tommy being in the light as a hope for Andy to be free. However, I see Warden Norton and Captain Hadley in the darkness as reflections of evil and corruption.

 

One of my favorite lighting scene of this movie is when Andy is in his car contemplating whether or not to go and kill his wife and her lover. I like how most of the scene has low-key lighting but Andy’s face looks bright.

One special effect from this movie is the bloody wounds after Tommy was shot. Other special effects are the thunder and the rain when Andy was escaping from prison.  While watching this movie I experienced a wide range of emotions. First, I was very curious to know whether or not Andy had killed his wife and her lover. Then, I was really sad to see how badly some of the inmates were treated by the guards and how many times Red was rejected to be released. After that, I was very disappointed to see how the “Sisters” were harassing Andy. I was wondering how much more could he go through in life.

Then, I felt really angry and powerless when Warden Norton refused to help Andy get a new trial and killed Tommy without compassion. After I thought that everything was lost and that this movie was going to end up in a disaster, Andy escapes from prison successfully and turns in evidence that revealed the corruption that Warden Norton and Captain Hadley had in the Shawshank Redemption jail. Finally, I felt so proud of Andy and had a lot of joy to see that his hope had set him free and that his perseverance changed things not only for him but for the entire jail. I felt super excited to see that Andy and Red had overcome all their obstacles and that they were together again at a beautiful beach away from their nightmares.

Here is a preview of the movie:

 

Resources:

IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 04 Aug. 2016. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111161/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_12

King, Stephen. “RITA HAYWORTH AND THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION.” SparkNotes. SparkNotes, n.d. Web. 04 Aug. 2016. http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/rita-hayworth-and-the-shawshank-redemption/themes.html

“The Shawshank Redemption (soundtrack).” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 04 Aug. 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shawshank_Redemption_(soundtrack)

“Shawshank Redemption, The (1994) Movie Script | SS.” Springfield! Springfield! N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Aug. 2016. http://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=shawshank-redemption-the

“Top Rated Movies.” IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 04 Aug. 2016. http://www.imdb.com/chart/top?ref_=nv_mv_250_6

Environmentalist Creations

Environmental Art is created in nature, using environmental elements as the subject and is usually created with simple tools. It does not last too long because it often disappears with the wind, water, or any other changes in the environment. It is definitely different from playing an instrument or using sophisticated methods of creating any other form of art. There are several wonderful environmental artists including Jim Denevan, Andy Goldsworthy, and Marc Treanor.

Jim Denevan

We are going to start with Jim Denevan. He was born in 1961 and according to http://www.jimdenevan.com/contact/bio–press/ he is based in Santa Cruz, California, U.S.A. He creates temporary drawings on sand, earth, and ice that are eventually erased by waves and weather. These drawings range in scale from smaller beach compositions to large scale land works the size of a city.” Jim’s artwork is performed primarily outside in California but also many other locations around the world. According to greenmuseum.org, Jim Denevan is a surfer, chef and renowned beach sand artist. He often uses a simple wood stick found on-site and begins by drawing outward from a central point. Most of his works are improvised on the spot and graciously rendered with his stick and a selection of rakes.

 

Lake Baikal, Siberia

 

In March of 2010 Jim Denevan and his crew created a large scale artwork on the frozen surface of Lake Baikal, Siberia. The spiral of circles grows from an origin of 18″ to several miles in diameter. I know that these are just circles but I can see all the hard work that has been done on a frozen lake. Drawing circles of different dimensions with just a broom, brushing aside snow to reveal the ice beneath. What a great characteristic of environmental art. I think it looks very nice and fun and sometimes even scary when I remember that it was done on top of a frozen lake.

 

Surfers in Circles

Another of Denevan’s work is, “Surfers in Circles,” sand art, Tunitas Creek Beach, CA, USA, 2006. According to http://greenmuseum.org/  “These ephemeral sand drawings are performances. They emerge like a dance and become interactive public spaces when he’s done. Surfers walk over and through the elegant patterns he leaves behind. Delighted beachgoers follow the curling spiral work like it’s a labyrinth, pacing inwards and then retracing their steps.” Wow, when I see the picture of this work it almost seems like the circles are moving. It looks very calm and peaceful.

 

Black Rock Desert

Another interesting project by Denevan is the world’s largest artwork created in the Black Rock Desert, NV 2009.It was created in Nevada United States. Here we see a little different pattern from the other two but still circles. The biggest circle measures nine miles of diameter and they use GPS technology to draw perfect circles. I think that in this one Denevan uses more creativity and absolutely more refined resources than just a stick and rake. It is definitely my favorite from Denevan so far. It is very fascinating!

 

Andy Goldsworthy

 

According to The National Gallery of Art, Andy Goldsworthy was born in July 26, 1956 in Cheshire, England, and currently resides in Scotland. He studied at Bradford School of Art and Preston Polytechnic and has been making art in the environment, both rural and urban, since the mid-1970s. He works with natural materials, such as leaves, sand, ice, and stone that often originate from the local site. Goldsworthy is one of the most popular if not the current most known artist of this style as he began his works a few decades ago.

 

Rowan Leaves and Hole

One of my favorite works of Goldsworthy is Rowan Leaves and Hole was created in October 25^th 1987 in Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Scotland. This is a beautiful circle of leaves with stunning colors. I love how the leaves are rearranged on top of each other and how this texture looks. In my opinion, the most intriguing part is the hole in the middle. This hole definitely takes me to another dimension and it leaves my mind wondering where it could take me.

 

Ice Arch

Another interesting natural creation by Goldsworthy is Ice Arch. It was created in Brough, Cumbria a village in England between the 1^st and the 2^nd of December in 1982.  According to, Susan Isaacs it was left to freeze overnight and made in a field with cows. The fourth attempt was successful after other three arches collapsed or melted. I like the contrast with the rest of the environment as the ice sculpture shines and is standing out from the rest of nature. I think this is very interesting and creative.

 

Icicles

Icicles is another fascinating ice sculpture from Goldsworthy. It was created in Scaur Water, Dumfriesshire, Scotland on January 12^th 1987. According to Susan Isaacs, its thick ends were dipped in snow and then in water and held until frozen together occasionally using forked sticks as support until stuck. I imagine that this sculpture required a lot of patience, but it is very beautiful and it looks so perfect.

 

Marc Treanor

 

We are going to finish this exhibit with a new environmental artist who started recently to create artworks on the sand, his name is Marc Treanor. He began creating art on the sand with his children in 2009 in a light and an organic way, he says. He simply used sticks, rakes, ropes, sometimes a small drawing of the main picture he wants to draw, and of course his imagination. Treanor says in his Facebook page that he is “currently living in West Pembrokeshire and exploring the beautiful beaches here. The stunning landscapes and seascapes of this area are a joy to be in and I am very grateful for all of it!” Treanor has created many beautiful drawings on the sand; therefore, it was hard to decide which ones to present. Something that I found common among Treanor’s drawings was that he did not put a specific name on them. Usually their title is composed by the place where the beach is and the date that is was created.

 

Traeth Llyfn

First, we will see this drawing on Traeth Llyfn created on August 30th 2015 in the United Kingdom.Traeth Llyfn is a pretty sandy and rocky beach between Porthgain and Abereiddi. This work is stunning, original, and it looks like a perfect stamp on the beach.

 

Mwnt

 

Another beautiful drawing by Treanor was created in Mwnt on December 4^th 2015. Mwnt is a very small community and ancient parish in south Ceredigion, Wales, on the West Wales coast about 4.5 miles from Cardigan in the United Kingdom. This tree on the sand looks simple, but I find it to be so beautiful. I really like how deep the roots look and the difference on the shades. It looks flawless in between those rocks. It is definitely a peaceful picture.

 

Pwllgwaelod

This amazing drawing was actually created this year in Pwllgwaelod on May 28^th in the United Kingdom. Pwllgwaelod is a small scattered hamlet centred on a bay on the south-western side of the Dinas Island peninsula. I love all the different details and shapes, specially the one in the middle that looks like a flower. This looks like a lot of work, but what a wonderful piece of drawing.

 

Mwnt

 

Finally, this sand circle drawing created byTreanor was created also in Mwnt but on June 27^th of this year, exactly a month ago. I like that the outside circles look like the face of birds with open eyes. I could spend hours just looking at it. Beaches are naturally beautiful but this incredible land works add a nice touch to the environment. Knowing that this and all the other art works that I selected in this exhibit are done in a natural setting, with elements found in the environment that surrounds the artists, and most of them with basic tools makes these projects very meaningful. What a unique way of creating art! It is the perfect combination for me to relax as I enjoy art and love nature. I simply love it!

 

Resources:

Denevan, Jim. “Jim Denevan.” Bio / Press :. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 July 2016. http://www.jimdenevan.com/contact/bio–press/

Isaacs, Susan. “Artists That Inspire Me: Andy Goldsworthy | Paragon Design Group.” Paragon Design Group Artists That Inspire Me Andy Goldsworthy Comments. N.p., 29 June 2009. Web. 28 July 2016. http://www.iamparagon.com/2009/06/artists-that-inspire-me-andy-goldsworthy/

“Jim Denevan.” Jim Denevan. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 July 2016. http://greenmuseum.org/artist_index.php?artist_id=168

National Gallery of Art. “Biography Andy Goldsworthy.” Andy Goldsworthy, Bio. N.p., 2004. Web. 28 July 2016. http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/press/2004/andy-goldsworthy/andy-goldsworthy-bio.html

Scudder, Kirby. “Kirby Scudder: Jim Denevan’s Temporary Masterpieces.” Kirby Scudder: Jim Denevan’s Temporary Masterpieces. N.p., 30 Aug. 2012. Web. 28 July 2016. http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/arts-and-entertainment/20120830/kirby-scudder-jim-denevans-temporary-masterpieces

Treanor, Marc. “Marc Treanor – Sand Circles.” Marc Treanor. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 July 2016. http://www.sandcircles.co.uk/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The artistic world influenced by innovations and technology in the Early Modern Era!

What an exciting time for human beings with all the advancements and creations that we can still experience today even though they were done about a hundred years ago. In the beginning of this era (1900-1910), there were many art creations that were possible because of the innovative components and the development of technology during this era. Thankfully, innovations and technological advances were not only beneficial to kill and fight but to express beauty, creativity, and majestic creations through the work of many artists such as Maple Leaf Rag Played by Scott Joplin, Casa Milà or La Pedrera by Antoni Gaudi, and The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky.

As we know, composers during the Early Modern era rejected traditional conventions and they blended African rhythm with traditional western instruments and forever changed the professional music making. One example of this is “The Maple Leaf Rag” which is an early ragtime musical composition for piano composed by Scott Joplin. Its copyright was published between August 10 and September 20 1899, when the United States Copyright Office received two copies of the score. Although there is no record of Joplin having a permanent residence before 1904 in Sedalia, Missouri Maple Leaf Rag is associated with that city. As soon as I listened to this piece of music, I loved it. While listening to it, I feel enthusiasm from the beginning to the end, it is such a fast and happy composition and I just want to dance to it.

 

Another composition that was influenced by innovations and technology was The Rite of Spring a ballet and orchestral concert work by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. The Rite of Spring’s choreography is a mythological pagan ritual in which a sacrificial virgin dances herself to death. According to classicfm.com, “it was written in a rented house in Clarens, Switzerland, in a tiny room with just enough space for an upright piano, a table and two chairs…. Stravinsky completed the composition, by the beginning of 1912 and finished the instrumentation by late spring.” With its change of tones, The Rite of Spring definitely changed the definition of traditional composition and it was like no work ever seen before. This change was very controversial though and some members of the audience were very disappointed during the premier in 1913, but a year later the performance had a great acceptance. Besides being a little overwhelmed by the sensuality of some movements; I really enjoy watching The Rite of Spring. I love the intensity, the passion, the drama, and the mystery in it. Overall, I think it is spectacular!

 

Finally, I want to share Casa Milà or La Pedrera by Antoni Gaudi. This is one of the most popular architectural structures from Barcelona, Spain and definitely my favorite structure from the Early Modern Era that I have personally seen. According to www.bluffton.edu/, it was built from 1906-1910 and it was absolutely influenced by the innovative use of concrete. Casa Mila has a texture of natural forms and curving lines, the stones look like bones and in my opinion the side balconies look like a face of a skeleton with sun glasses. I can spend hours just looking at the details of this majestic architectural structure, there is so much to see not only in the outside of the building but also in the inside part. I think it is fantastic!

 

Here is a video of the inside and outside parts of the building where we can appreciate many more details than in a picture. 🙂

 

References:

Chlap77. “Igor Stravinsky “The Rite of Spring”” YouTube. YouTube, 03 May 2008. Web. 17 July 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0xNo2894Fw

Criterioncollection. “Antonio Gaudí – Casa Batlló.” YouTube. YouTube, 18 Oct. 2012. Web. 17 July 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqMn0_k3kAQ&feature=youtu.be

Hopkin, Owen. “The Story Behind The Rite Of Spring.” Classic FM. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 July 2016. http://www.classicfm.com/composers/stravinsky/guides/story-behind-rite-spring/

“Maple Leaf Rag.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 31 Mar. 2016. Web. 16 July 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple_Leaf_Rag

Sullivan, Mary Ann. “Casa Mila (La Pedrera) by Antoni Gaudi.” Casa Mila (La Pedrera) by Antoni Gaudi. N.p., 2001. Web. 17 July 2016. https://www.bluffton.edu/homepages/facstaff/sullivanm/spain/barcelona/gaudimila/mila.html

TJaep. “Maple Leaf Rag Played by Scott Joplin.” YouTube. N.p., 19 Oct. 2006. Web. 16 July 2016. https://youtu.be/pMAtL7n_-rc

Impressionism vs. Realism

The Impressionism movement began in Paris among a group of artists who knew each other. It is considered the most popular art movement of all time and some people are even willing to pay millions of dollars for some pieces such as Le Moulin de la Galette. Some of the characteristics of their paintings are capturing light in an outdoor setting in nature or in a happy scene like people dancing and enjoying themselves.

Many people say impressionistic art is pretty and worth the millions that it sales for. Personally, I think it is a big waste of money, not that I hate it, but it is not necessarily my favorite either. I maybe fall somewhere in between because some of the impressionist work is cool and they capture motions but many of the work I have seen is confusing, overwhelming, and there is so much going on that I don’t even know what is what.

For instance, Claude Monet who is considered the “Father of Impressionism” painted the Impression, Sunrise in Nov. 13, 1872, in the Norman port city of Le Havre of France. According to totallyhistory.com, “while on vacation, Impression, Sunrise was sketched, while Monet was looking out his window one spring morning.” And by the way, this is supposed to be the work that created the term Impressionism and the art movement as well.  Even though this painting has a fascinating history and brought Monet popularity, I don’t think it is that pretty. It looks like he simply took the brushes and paint and threw some colors on a canvas until it looked like a sunrise.

 

 

 

On the contrary, Realism represents the world, its events, and people as they really are. During this period painters wanted to focus on ordinary people and show the rest of society what their lives were like. Some of the characteristics of the realistic paintings are humble, clear, and expressive; most of them show clearly what is going on. In addition, painters focused on details which tell you a perfect story about what the picture portrays. Overall, painters showed the reality for the working class as much as possible.

An example of this is Love’s Young Dream which was created by Jennie Augusta Brownscombe in 1887. It is hard for me to know where Brownscombe painted Love’s Young Dream, according to Wikipedia, “between 1885 and 1896 Brownscombe spent the winters in Rome Italy… In the summers in Palenville in the New York Catskill Mountains.” Therefore, I would guess it was painted in New York. The Love’s Young Dream represents the rural life of a family and it gives as much details as possible about the scene; although it is a simple painting, I think it looks very neat and peaceful.

 

 

Resources:

“Eyeconart: Impressionism.” Eyeconart: Impressionism. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 July 2016. http://robinurton.com/history/impressionism.htm

Cigainero, Jake. “Dating a Seminal Painting.” Nytimes.com. N.p., 29 Oct. 2014. Web. 08 July 2016. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/23/arts/international/paris-exhibition-traces-origins-of-monets-impression-sunrise.html?_r=0

“Impression, Sunrise by Monet – Facts & History of the Painting.” Totally History Impression Sunrise Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 July 2016. http://totallyhistory.com/impression-sunrise/

“ART/MUS/THR F200.” ARTMUSTHR F200. N.p., 05 May 2009. Web. 08 July 2016. https://art-mus-thr200.community.uaf.edu/2009/05/05/533-impressionistic-painters/

Esaak, Shelley. “Realism – Art History 101 Basics.” About.com Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 July 2016. http://arthistory.about.com/od/renaissancearthistory/a/Realism-Art-History-101-Basics.htm

“Jennie Augusta Brownscombe.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 May 2016. Web. 08 July 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennie_Augusta_Brownscombe

Great Music Compositions During the Classical Era!

During the classical period we see the growing economic power of the middle class and with that a series of changes in the world of art. The enjoyment of sophisticated music was not only for the wealthy and powerful but also a desire of the middle class. Therefore, composers and artists felt the need to increase the availability of public concerts.

Composers such as Ludwig Van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Franz Joseph Haydn wrote music to satisfy the taste of more diverse listeners. As a result, music in demand during this period was simpler and less intense. All the works that I selected have a typical characteristic of the Classical Era; they all get soft at some point and fast at another.

This is the first movement of Beethoven’s 5th symphony. It was composed between 1804 and 1808 and first performed in Vienna’s Theater in 1808. While listening, I can sense that Beethoven is trying to tell a story. It sounds like he is trying to express different kinds of emotions that he is experiencing at the same time. I can feel passion, control, character, joy, excitement, victory, power, but at the same time some sadness. The 5th Symphony of Beethoven is one of my favorites from all his works; it is faster than most of his compositions and it is one of the few I can dance with.

This Sonata for Two Pianos was composed by Mozart in 1781 at the age of 25, it was written in Vienna, Austria where he had just recently moved. Interestingly enough, this sonata has been used in the scientific study to test the theory of the Mozart Effect, suggesting that classical music increases brain activity more positively than other kinds of music. While listening to this sonata, I definitely feel positive and calmed. I can also feel joy, strength, and passion. This is one of my favorites from Mozart because it does not make me feel like I want to sleep. I enjoy the rhythm very much. It is not too slow or too scandalous, just the right tune to get me going.

 

This is Piano Concerto No. 11 in D Major composed by Haydn and at the piano we have Kaan Baysal an 11 year old boy. It seems to be unknown where and when Haydn composed Piano Concerto no. 11. I guess he wrote it between 1779 and 1784 in a remote palace in Hungary, that is where his biography says he wrote most of his work. Although I did not find any specific information on where or when it was composed, I found that it was published in 1784. I enjoy very much listening to this outstanding piece of music and I have a lot of admiration for Haydn. While listening to Piano Concerto by Haydn, I get excited, full of positive energy and at the same time relaxed. Like the rest of the classical music pieces, this one has parts that are slow and other ones that are fast.

 

Resources:

Keller, James M. “Haydn: Piano Concerto in D Major, H.XVIII:11.” San Francisco Symphony. N.p., Apr. 2016. Web. 29 June 2016. https://www.sfsymphony.org/Watch-Listen-Learn/Read-Program-Notes/Program-Notes/Haydn-Piano-Concerto-D-major.aspx

“Biography of Mozart.” Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART – Biography of Mozart. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 June 2016. http://www.wolfgang-amadeus.at/en/biography_of_Mozart.php

“Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major (Mozart).” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 12 June 2016. Web. 29 June 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonata_for_Two_Pianos_in_D_major_(Mozart)

Estrella, Espie. “The Role of Music and Composers/ Music’s Role in the Baroque and Classical Periods.” About.com Education. About, Inc., n.d. Web. 29 June 2016. http://musiced.about.com/od/medievalto20thcentury/a/The-Role-Of-Music-And-Composers.htm

The Courageous David!

The sculpture of David by Gian Lorenzo Bernini was commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Bernini carved David at the age of 25 between 1623 and 1624. Today David is in the Galleria Borghese in Rome. According to Veronica White, from the Department of Art History and Archaeology in Columbia University, “Gian Lorenzo first trained in the Roman workshop of his father Pietro.” Based on Bernini’s biography, I would guess that David was created in Rome.

The sculpture of David by Bernini was definitely influenced by The Thirty Year War which went on from 1618 to 1648. I think that it was more influenced by The Council of Trent which actively met from 1545 to 1663. Since the Catholic Church had an urgency to reinvent Rome and keep the faithful within the church, they used art to defend their prestige and popes became patrons of art and architecture. During this time, they continued to hire the most talented artist like Bernini to work for them and create master pieces such as David to express innovation and power.

I really enjoy watching the expressions and the action that the sculpture of David by Bernini portrays. David looks alive and real which are some of the main characteristics of the Baroque era. When I look at David’s face, I see tension coming from his lips and eyebrows, as well as alertness, and concentration; he looks very serious as he is definitely facing Goliath and getting ready to defeat this giant. In addition, his body is very crossed and twisted; he looks almost like a Z to me. J Overall, I think that David by Bernini is a stunning piece of art and it shows David’s great faith and courage.

It is interesting to compare Michelangelo’s David with Bernini’s. In Michelangelo’s sculpture, David’s face looks calm as he is contemplating the situation. It appears as if David is saying to himself, “I got this!”  Also, his body is straight and looks totally relaxed, whereas, Bernini’s is full of active expression. Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker from the Khan Academy mention that, Bernini shows us a more real David and less ideal than Michalangelo’s sculpture. Bernini shows that David is actively fighting Goliath with God’s help. Maybe this was the same way the church was feeling while battling against Luther. During the Baroque era, the path to God is more direct and more expressive, and that could also relate to the tormented position of the Church.

 

 

Here is a link to a video which shows a more detailed view of both sculptures!  https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/monarchy-enlightenment/baroque-art1/baroque-italy/v/bernini-david-1623-24

 

Resources:

White, Veronica. “Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598–1680).” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/bern/hd_bern.htm (October 2003) http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/bern/hd_bern.htm

Harris, Beth, Dr., and Steven Zucker, Dr. “Bernini, David.” Khan Academy. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2016. <https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/monarchy-enlightenment/baroque-art1/baroque-italy/a/bernini-david&gt;. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/monarchy-enlightenment/baroque-art1/baroque-italy/a/bernini-david

“Bernini’s David.” Rome.info. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2016. http://www.rome.info/bernini/david/

Picture of Michelangelo’s and Bernini’s David https://www.google.com/search?q=david+by+bernini&newwindow=1&safe=active&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi6zY716arNAhVCKWMKHSNMDQkQ_AUICCgB&biw=1120&bih=623#imgrc=v3Gbr4RGbtPPSM%3A

Picture of Bernini’s David https://www.google.com/search?q=david+by+bernini&newwindow=1&safe=active&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi6zY716arNAhVCKWMKHSNMDQkQ_AUICCgB&biw=1120&bih=623#imgrc=UEQfTju8mD7tiM%3A

Picture of 3 different positions of David by Bernini https://www.google.com/search?q=david+by+bernini&newwindow=1&safe=active&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi6zY716arNAhVCKWMKHSNMDQkQ_AUICCgB&biw=1120&bih=623#imgrc=Uh6zPsfD2ln9uM%3A

 

The Magnificent Sistine Chapel Ceiling!

The Sistine Chapel Ceiling

(Latin: Cappella Sistina)

 

The Sistine Chapel is also known as the Capella Papalis (or Papal Chapel). Even today, it is the location where the cardinal’s conclave meets to elect a new pope. The Sistine Chapel ceiling was painted by Michelangelo from May 1508 to October 1512 in the Vatican City. It was painted at the commission of Pope Julius II. This painting is one of the centerpieces of the High Renaissance.  As we can see, Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel towards the end of the Italian Renaissance period and towards the beginning of the Reinvention of Rome by the Catholic Church. Michelangelo was pressured by Pope Julius II to paint the Chapel. According to the Art Encyclopedia visual-arts-cork.com, during the Reinvention of Rome the Popes wanted to transform Rome into the cultural capital of the world.

The Sistine Chapel is among other things, an expression of several episodes of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation as well as some of the prophets.  The Last Judgment was painted later from 1537 to 1541. This overwhelming picture about who gets to go to heaven or hell when Christ comes back again was created during the Protestant Reformation which began in 1517 to 1648. According to Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, while Michelangelo was panting the Last Judgment he was more pessimistic and his world has been shattered since the church was under attack at this point.

I was wondering how he painted the ceiling and learned that he was actually standing while looking up as he painted. Besides that it is a ceiling, it looks huge, can you imagine someone creating magnificent paintings on a ceiling of about 130 feet x 43 feet. Poor Michelangelo! When he was done after four years of painting he said, “After four tortured years, more than 400 over life-size figures, I felt as old and as weary as Jeremiah. I was only 37, yet friends did not recognize the old man I had become.”

In these paintings I see, a lot of imagination, passion, hard work, character, enthusiasm, inspiration, power, divine forces, strength of the human body, and glorious creativity. No wonder people would stand in huge lines to see the Sistine Chapel; it is definitely a wonderful masterpiece.

Overall, I enjoyed the visual arts of the Italian Renaissance more than the Northern Renaissance. The works of the Italian Renaissance were more vivid, colorful, beautiful, inviting, and creative. I also think that their paintings had more landscape as part of the picture, whereas in the Northern Renaissance, I see more details about people and not as much landscape. When I see the works of the Italian Renaissance it takes me to a deeper level of thinking (I am very visual as you can see), in some of them I feel that I am there or at least want to be there. 🙂

ITALY – JANUARY 21: Part of the artwork of Michelangelo that adorns the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Italy. (Photo by Fotopress/Getty Images)

The Last Judgment

 

Here is also a YouTube video from the Khan Academy which shows some more interesting details about the Sistine Chapel paintings  https://youtu.be/PEE3B8Fsuc0

 

Links to resources:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Sistine+chapel+michelangelo+paintings&newwindow=1&safe=active&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi-4OOBhZnNAhXJLmMKHcD0DlUQ_AUICCgB&biw=1120&bih=595#imgrc=_

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Renaissance

http://www.rome.info/michelangelo/sistine-chapel/

http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/artwork/sistine-chapel-michelangelo-paintings.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEE3B8Fsuc0

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Chapel_ceiling

https://www.google.com/search?q=northern+renaissance+art&newwindow=1&safe=active&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjblOe995jNAhUP52MKHZ3qB1sQ_AUICCgB&biw=1120&bih=595&dpr=1.5

https://www.google.com/search?q=italian+renaissance+art&newwindow=1&safe=active&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiu-_ux95jNAhWFLmMKHcxMCDYQ_AUICCgB&biw=1120&bih=595

http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/renaissance-in-rome.htm

 

A little about me and art

 

Hello! My name is Johanny McFarlane. I am a housewife and a mom of a sixteen month old boy. I am originally from the Dominican Republic and Spanish is my first language. I enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Finally, I am planning to graduate with a B.A. in Psychology in December of this year!

Even though I have a lot of admiration for those who can paint, act, or play a musical instrument; I have never done any of those. The main way I relate to art is dancing and sometimes singing gospel music. I grew up dancing merengue, bachata, and salsa which are the most popular musical styles in DR.  I love watching musical or theater performances and that is another reasons I am taking this class. 🙂

 

This is one of my favorites!