Blog #7

I believe that art plays a very important role in society. Art can bring awareness to people and present truths about society that cannot be express any other form. Art can also bring a society together by allowing everyone to relate to it in a universal way. There are so many different forms that people can express themselves which all can be considered art. Whether it depicts a positive aspect of life such as love or honor; or a negative human condition like fear, or hatred, the meaning behind it can be just as inspirational. Art can be used to inspire and inform, but it can also be used as an advertising tool. For example, the Pop Art Movement celebrated material consumer culture, advertising, and iconography. Early in his career, And Warhol painted album covers which not only advertised the band, but his talent as well. He also painted household objects of mass production such as Campbell Soup Cans and Coca Cola Bottles. He was even quoted as saying, "When you think about it, department stores are kind of like museums". I feel that this means that anything used to express yourself can be considered art, and it is everywhere in our society.

Blog #6

I found the section pertaining to Brueghel & Rubens's "Allegory of Sight" to be very interesting. I have seen this painting before, but never understood the symbolism behind the different objects within the painting. In this piece, the figures were painted by Rubens and Brueghel created the setting. The interests and generous patronage of Princess Isabel and Archduke Albert are displayed in 5 allegorical paintings, the most famous being the "Allergory of Sight". Many of Rubens's works are shown within the portrait, such as the portrait created of the Archduke & Princess, situated on the table. Also, Rubens's "Daniel of the Lions Den", "The Lion and Tiger Hunt", and the "Drunken Silenus" are prominetely displayed within the piece. Amongst the portraits within the painting, there are also books, ruler, compasses, magnifying glass, telescope and eye glass. These seemingly ordinary objects might symbolize spiritual blindness, referring to those who look but do not see. In the upper left corner there is an armillary sphere and a huge globe at the right that might represent the extent of humanistic learning. When I first saw this piece it just looked like a room full of stuff. However, after reading about the painting and understanding the meaning of the objects within the portrait, it became a representaion of spirituality and the quest for knowledge.

Museum Visit

I visited the De Young Museum in San Francisco. I chose this museum because the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit was on display. I am very interested in fashion and styling, so to see YSL pieces from the 50's to the 2000's was really great. He had several tribute pieces including one for Vincent Van Gogh featuring a beaded jacket with Van Gogh's Irises print. Many of the YSL pieces played with different textures and and materials. He created a line of extravagant wedding dresses featuring a wool hooded coat and a silk flower bikini with a pink silk train. He wasn't afraid to push the limits and turn fashion into wearable art. The museum also framed some of the original sketches; so it was really interesting to see his ideas transpire from paper to unique and beautiful haute couture designs. Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized the fashion industry by being one of the first designers to use African American & Asian and Pacific Islander models. He also created the most infamous women's tuxedo that gave women a sense of empowerment since tuxedos were typically worn by men of power and influence. Yves Saint Laurent paid tribute to many artists, musicians & actors through his designs. He experimented with unique materials such as pheasant & vulture feathers to created a one of kind couture gown. He wasn't afraid of using bright colors, heavy fabrics and even horse hair head pieces. He pushed the limits of the fashion world and I am glad that I was able to experience his work first hand. I would definitely recommend seeing this exhibit!