CH 14 #2 Aphtrodite of Melos vs Three Goddesses from the east pediment of the Parthenon

Greek art had many influences throughout this era. The largest and most obvious of them all is religion. The people of Greece were dominated by their religion. As a result, their art was also greatly influenced. Greek Temples and architecture were some of the largest and most beautiful because of this influence. Their sculptures endured the same influence as the architecture leaving sculptures like Aphtrodite of Melos and the Three Goddesses from the east pediment of the Parthenon still breathtaking today.

Three Goddesses from the east pediment of the Parthenon shows the best of their new found techniques that involved carving out of marble. The three goddesses are Hestia, Dione, and Aphrodite. Some of the sculptures in the Parthenon were lost over time. Zues and Athena are some of the missing sculpers.

 Aphrodite of Melos Is one of the most famous marble statues that is currently displayed in Paris. Aphrodite, was said to have been born from sea-foam gathered around the dismembered genitals of Ouranos, the god of the heavens, who was castrated by his son Kronos. As the goddess of love, Aphrodite’s sculpture is said to be very alluring and seductive. Her body twisted and posing with her cloths draping perfectly as she stares.

I could not choose any one statue as my favorite. All of them have their unique look and skillful craftsmanship. The time it took to carve these by hand in marble was an amazing feet at the time. Greek art has brought us not only the sculptures but the vast imagination that Greek mythology still shows us today.

CH 14 #1 Palette of Narmer vs The Great Sphinx, Giza

Egyptian art Is not only temples and pyramids, but it has drastically changed throughout its era. Some of the very first findings of Egyptian art were engraved drawings along side of cliffs. They showed the basics of their lives with simple etchings. They depicted events such as hunting with weapons and cattle or even  drawings of exaggerated sexual nature to show fertility. As the years went on, the detail and meaning in the art matured. Royalty and Hierarchy was giving in forms of metaphoric symbols. The Great Sphinx in Giza represents the most important characteristic of Egyptian art which is the essence of stability, order and endurance. The Palette of Narmer represents victory by the forces of upper Egypt which was led by Narmer.

The Great Sphinx is directly next the the great pyramid of Giza in Egypt. A sphinx has the body of a lion with a human head. The sphinx is said to symbolize a guardian figure that can fight off evil spirits and protect the tomb of Khafre from any type of evil. Over the years the Great Sphinx has been beaten and damaged by the harsh desert winds but still stands only somewhat disfigured.

Palette of Narmer was named after Horus Narmer. Narmer was a man who led upper Egypt to victory. Narmer is featured on the Palette large and in the center showing his importance. Different symbols cover the palette that are still studied today. Narmer is striking on top of an enemies head which could mean the victory on lower Egypt. Even the depiction of taming animals with a noose may show the unification of upper and lower Egypt.

Response to Lecture 11-29 "Pattern vs. Variation"

In last last Tuesday Mr. Z talked about the fine lines and differences between Realism and Romanticism, between Abstraction and Representation, and between Pattern and Variation.
In class we took a vote on our preferences on pattern to variation ratio in everyday things in our own lives. We first took a vote on music preference, the majority of the class preferred 40% pattern to 60% variation, and there were zero votes for 80% pattern to 20% variation ration in choice of music. Next we took a vote on preference of Cypress College classes, friends, and then ourselves and the majority voted 50/50. We also took a vote on preference for a partner and the majority of the class voted 80% pattern to 20% variation.
I thought it was interesting that the only people wanted more variety in was music and wanted the least variety in a partner. I thought it was pretty funny when Mr. Z noticed that most people voted for a 50/50 between pattern and variety and pointed out that we were cowards & not wanting to commit. Overall I like to have some variation in every aspect of my life, but I think that having a pattern set down first is often a good way to become successful in life. 

Project: Visit Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

I liked the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) a lot because they have the type of art collections that show a lot of emotion. Many works were very dark indicating death or mourning, while many of their works were also bright and colorful indicating the celebration of life. I also found that Latin American Art is a lot more unique and diversified compared to a lot of the art we studied in our art book. This museum has more contemporary art than the Bowers Museum and has a lot of works that I would probably keep in my own home. It was well worth the long drive for me, entry for students is cheaper than at the Bowers Museum, and I am glad that they were open until 9pm on Thursday so that I didn't have to take any time off of work to see the museum.

Project: Visit Bowers Museum

The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana is a very beautiful place. The museum entrance is similar to a Mission and the gardens are very beautiful also. The museum is very well kept and I imagine many people plan events here more for the beautiful location than for the art itself. I liked a lot of the sculptures from different times and places and also the Egyptian mummy and the carvings on the wall behind it. Overall I liked some of the art but didn't get to see everything because they are only open from 10am-4pm and I work from 8am-5pm so the only time I could visit the museum was for a short time on my lunch break.

CH 16 #2 Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna and Child with Saint Anne vs Michelandgelo's David

The Renaissance brought art and culture at a level that the world was not expecting to receive. There are many famous artist at this time but the two that are my favorites are Leonardo da Vinci's and Michelandgelo's. These names are recognized by all different types of cultures around the world. The reason that is true is because of the impact it had on the word art itself. The dedication these two artist had for their work was almost unbelievable.

Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna and Child with Saint Anne tells one of the most famous stories with a single image. With St. Anne, the virgin mary, baby jesus, or even the lamb have very specific meaning. Unfortunately, the original sketch is lost to us. Each small expression gives an exact emotion that Leonardo wanted to convey.  This is without doubt a very famous piece of art, but quite possibly one of the most famous pieces belonged to Michelangelo.

Michelandgelo's David is a sculpture that also is from the Bible. David and goliath is a very famous story and is well known. David was the underdog that became a great hero. Facing a giant named Goliath, the young shepherd proved that brains can beat bronze. A lesson that is told to every child even today. David used his sling shot and aimed for the giants head, killing him with one stone. 

CH 16 #1 Sandro Botticelli. The of Venus vs Giovanni Bellini’s St. Francis in the Desert

The Renaissance is one of my favorite eras. The art in the middle ages was not only filled with very accomplished trade like carpenters or goldsmiths, but it was filled with amazing and creative artist. From Leonardo Da Vinci to Michelangelo, the history of great painters speaks for themselves. Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus Shows such a mythical and meaningful expression and Giovanni Bellini’s St. Francis in the Desert shows an exact timeframe in history giving an real life emotion to the event.

Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venu was commissions by the family of Medici. It is hung in their Villa along with another very famous painting know as Primavera. The painting is most likely the most renowned form of Venus as she is rising from the sea. Venus is surrounded by gods and goddesses with Zephyrus, Aura, and Horae. It is said that Zephyrus is the God of wind and Aura is a Gentle breeze. As they blow on Venus to force her to land. This is where Horae who is the Goddess of seasons awaits Venus to spread the sead.

Giovanni Bellini’s St. Francis in the Desert is more of an expression of a historic event. However, when you look close at the painting the fine details gives the viewer a sense of what Giovanni Bellini felt. It was created when Bellini was in his forties and was known for its interest in color and light.