DWG II Weeks 3-6

a. In your own words define realistic art.

-Realistic Art is defined as art that is recognized and understood. The piece is open for interpretation and allows the viewer to identify what is being portrayed.

b. How does Plato define good art?

-Plato defines good art as art that is created through good behavior and truth. This includes things such as beauty and balance, creating a development of good art.

c. What would Plato say about Koon’s artwork?

-I think Plato would disapprove of Koon's work because they are merely direct opposites. Koon is more of a contemporary, expressionistic artist that depends on common, simple things. Plato believed in a society that was upheld by truth and beauty through more positive, realistic means.

d. In your own words, how would Aristotle define good art?

-Aristotle defined good art with more expression. He believed good art was made through knowledge. He believed that art should be seen for its purpose rather than just craftsmanship. He had more of a conceptual outlook than Plato. He saw art as a way of expressing ones self. He also believed that good art must be beautiful, but was much more open to accepting beauty by means of others.

e. In your personal philosophy is “obscene art a contradiction of terms? Why or why not?

-No, because I am open to many things when viewing art. I can see beauty or truth in even the ugliest works of art. I feel that a piece does not have to have pure craftsmanship, but the backbone should be purely conceptual. If a work of art can cause discussion or a reaction, then I think the work is successful.

f. Are vivid sexual images more obscene that vivid images of violence, poverty,
display of extreme wealth or sickness?

-To me, no above subject matter is more obscene. I think it all depends solely on each individual viewer. Every subject can have a different effect on a viewer than a separate one. This gives an open sense to interpretation, but no single subject can be seen as more obscene than another.

g. Find an artist on The Drawing Center’s Viewing Program Web site that relates to your drawing for this project. How does there art relate to your concept, subject and style?

-I picked Alejandra Villasmil because she likes to construct different animals abstractly with a sense of naturalism and humor. This ties closely with my concept and piece by connecting with how I am visually depicting my subjects with abstract animals. Her work is very close to mine in that I want to create a sense of humor, yet portray a very serious story.