module 11 videos

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I chose The Impact of Cubism because I wanted to know some of the details of the movement. I like the geometry of cubism as well so it is always interesting to learn more about it.

I chose to watch Matisse and Picasso because both artists made monumental contributions to the art scene. It is always inspiring to learn about those who go against the grain.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

The Impact of Cubism discussed Juan Gris and Picasso, working in the same house in Paris. During this time, Picasso painted the famous Les Demoiselles d'Avignon and Gris, a homage to Picasso in the form of a self portrait. Other artists like Duchamp and Delaunay were also discussed. Cubism was used to discuss war as seen with Juan Gris with “The Breakfast Table”. Delaunay's Eiffel Tower explored philosophical theories about time and memory. Sonia Delaunay captured everyday life as proven with her painting of the Bullier Dance Hall. Boccioni explored emotion and motion through his series called “States of Mind”. The Cubist process of dismantling and then reconstructing reality allowed artists to capture life’s moments and work through their own sensations, while occasionally sharing them with others.  

Matisse and Picasso had a relationship like none other in art history. Gertrude Stein was convinced that both Matisse and Picasso were genius and should meet. Picasso and Matisse traded paintings. Their first joint show was held in 1918. Both Picasso and Matisse used muses and models. Matisse seemed to be increasingly more professional than Picasso. Both looked as models as partners in life as well. Matisse's model Lydia also worked as his assistant photographing works in progress and rubbing out work Matisse disliked with turpentine. Both artists try to stay in France despite the war and invading Germans. It reflects in Picasso’s work greatly, but not Matisse despite his wife and daughter being arrested. His execution of harmony in a time of destruction is remarkable. France was liberated and Matisse and Picasso come together again for a joint exhibition in London in 1945. Their friendship continues and they push each other artistically. A great example of this is the chapel work both of them did, with wildly different intentions. Matisse wanting his work to emulate a flower, and Picasso wanting his work to be a weapon of resistance. Matisse's death was devastating to Picasso, but he moved and continued his work, moving forward with ideas inspired by Matisse himself.   

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

Just like the Impact of Cubism, the text touched on one of Picasso’s most famous cubist works, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. The most astounding aspect of the work is how the prostitutes of Avignon are treated. They are the main subject of this work treated as planes, chopped into flat angular segments. These fragmented figures became very significant to Picasso and eventually led him on the path of Cubism.

The text contained a feature on both Matisse and Picasso just like the video. Both features echoed the video, with Matisse being quiet, unproblematic, and a simple man. He was primarily known as a painter but worked in many fields. He chose to avoid any political or social issues in his art. Picasso was much more dramatic. He was quick to fame, had many romantic involvements, and had no fear of creating based on social and political issues.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

They were okay, a bit dry.