Here are two model papers from last year:
You should read these papers to understand where this process is going.
Step 1: I have set up hyperlinks for about 50 artists. Spend the next hour or so choosing an artist that you would like to focus for the next few weeks. (You will want to have a back-up choice or two for various reasons.) I know a bit about each of these artists and have an idea of what you will face if you choose to research any of them. I’ll be around to answer questions. Enjoy.
For some of these artists, it is just as easy to do an image search.
Painters and Artists:
- Francis Bacon
- Banksy
- Jean Michel Basquiat
- Romare Bearden
- Wallace Berman
- Norbert Bisky
- Joe Brainard
- Chuck Close
- Jess (Collins) (Just as easy to do an image search.)
- Joseph Cornell
- Jay DeFeo
- Willem De Kooning (Image search has more variety of his work.)
- Jorge de la Vega
- Jim Dine (Just as easy to do an image search.)
- Marcel Duchamp (Just as easy to do an image search.)
- Max Ernst (Just as easy to do an image search.)
- Shepard Fairey (At the ICA right now)
- Tony Fitzpatrick
- Lucien Freud
- Arshile Gorky (Image search has more variety of his work.)
- Philip Guston (Image search has more variety of his work.)
- Tim Hawkinson
- David Hockney
- Hans Hofmann
- Damien Hurst (Image search has more variety of his work.)
- Jasper Johns (Image search has more variety of his work.)
- Alex Katz
- Anselm Kiefer
- Edward Kienholz
- Franz Kline (Just as easy to do an image search.)
- Lee Krasner (Just as easy to do an image search.)
- Sol Lewitt
- Roy Lichtenstien (Just as easy to do an image search.)
- Julie Mehretu
- Joan Mitchell (Easier to do an image search.)
- Robert Motherwell (Easier to do an image search.)
- Alice Neel
- Damian Ortega
- Raymond Pettibon
- Tom Phillips (He’s got a blog, people!)
- Jackson Pollock (Just as easy to do an image search.)
- Robert Rauschenberg (Just as easy to do an image search.)
- Gerhard Richter
- Larry Rivers
- James Siena
- Amy Sillman
- Sandy Skoglund
- Frank Stella (Just as easy to do an image search.) He was born in Malden!
- Yves Tanguy (Just as easy to do an image search.)
- Cy Twombly (Easier to do an image search.)
- Kara Walker
- Lee Waisler
- Trevor Winkfield
- Jerry Uelsmann
White Cube also has a good list of contemporary artists.
So does this PBS site.
I chose these artists because they should be easy enough to find research on but have not been written on endlessly. If you have an artist in mind, I’d be happy to add it to the list.
Step 2: Post a Comment on which artist you want and why (This should be a formal 'proposal' letter, about 200 words). You can, of course, pick someone that is not on the list. I would also like you to hyperlink the title of an image that you like from the artist, so a quick mini-lesson:
This is due at 8:00 a.m. on Wed. Feb. 4th. Artists are given on a first-post basis. There can be no repeats.
Kevin Ta 5 said...Alright, here’s my quick mini lesson on how to hyperlink in comment boxes. Say you want to make a link like this. All you have to do is type the following into the comment box:
<"a href=http://www.google.com">"this"<"/a">
and get rid of the quotation marks. When you publish it, it will look like:
this
Replace the URL (making sure you have the http:// part) and the “this” and it’s as simple as that. Remember that the Preview button is your friend. Hope that helps.
36 comments:
Emma
30 January 2009
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I would love to do Chuck Close for my artist research paper project. I am very fond of the photorealism style of painting, and it is something that I have been working towards developing my skill in ever since I discovered it my sophomore year. Also, I have been personally experimenting with more abstract forms of artwork, and his realistic portraits of people, such as the hyperlinked Emma are extremely appealing to me because they are composed solely from abstractly-colored tiles. It is a style of painting that I aspire to develop over time.
www.whitecube.com states "Close’s method of painting is always indexical, an incremental process whereby associative colours and shapes build up a pictorial syntax and a recognisable figurative whole." This reminds me of specific types of abstract poetry or literature, where individual parts do not make sense, but the meaning becomes apparent when viewed as a whole. His use of conflicting colors (warm juxtaposed with cold) and shapes to create a unified portrait is extremely interesting, and would be fun to explore as a connection to literary writing style.
Sincerely,
Matthew Zunitch
The New Land
January 30, 2009
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I would very much love to research Amy Sillman for my paper. She uses abstract colors and designs to create a unique picture as a whole. Her main media is oil on canvas, which is my favorite type of media as an artist. Her work enters her audience into a subliminal world which truly fascinates me. Her paintings are almost child like which creates the idea of innocence versus adulthood. Spontaneous developments cover her canvas, holding on to her audience’s attention. Rather than usual shading, Sillman uses different shapes and colors to provide shading to each of her pieces. She provides imagination with her abstract works. Although she has a meaning behind each piece, they are still up for interpretation which leaves my mind open to her work and what it means as a whole. Although her pieces of work are not three dimensional, they show actions through different shapes and sizes. Overall, her work is fascinating and captures my attention and imagination. Within her work are mysteries that can be viewed in different perspectives. Although it may be a bit opinionated, I truly believe I can match my ideas with the ideas of Amy Sillman. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Kristen White
Kara Walker people!!!
I call Sandy Skoglund folks!
Pearblossom Highway
January 30, 2009
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I’ve always been a huge fan of David Hockney’s work. As an aspiring photographer, I’m fascinated by the complexity of his photo collages and Polaroid composite pieces; his art is inspiring and original. While his drawing, paintings, etchings, and set designs are radically different both from each other and from his photography, there is a consistency to his work in each medium. All of his work has an intriguing crudity, as evidenced by his work with rudimentary materials such as Polaroid film. With such a variety of media and a presence in the global art community, it would be nearly impossible for him not to intertwine with literature. He remains heavily influenced by novels, fairytales, and poetry, often illustrating themes directly in his artwork. Although he is often inspired by literature, I think it would be interesting to research how his work has affected literature; as he has been active for decades and has traveled the world, I think it’s safe to assume this has transpired.
Sincerely,
Emily Chiavelli
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I would like to do my research paper on Marcel Duchamp. He seems to be the type of artist who liked to start controversies, and was somewhat of a rebel. Some of his art had created much uproar, he was one of the first few people who make a mockery of an already-famous artwork, and also one of the first to try many new things that others hadn’t considered. His artwork, range from unique sculptures to oil on canvases. He used crazy ideas to grab the attention of art lovers, such as displaying pictures of himself dressed as a woman. He took an already existing object, and by adding a little of his own style, made it his own piece of art. His work appears very exciting and fun to research.
Sincerely,
Sodaba D.
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I would like to request Blek Le Rat as my artist. Blek Le Rat is a French graffiti artist, and is one of the main influences for today’s graffiti, especially “guerrilla graffiti.” Many artists use his style as a template to start from, and other unknowingly reinvent his work. The famed Banksy was quoted saying, “every time I think I've painted something slightly original, I find out that Blek Le Rat has done it as well. Only twenty years earlier." I would like to write about the connection he has had on literature indirectly. Graffiti has had some influence literature, and that graffiti has been influenced by Blek Le Rat. You told me to make things interesting, and Blek’s art is very interesting. He comments on many things, and his body of work is so large. I did a quick Google search on him and I found a great amount of information on him, I found even more on his actual work. Blek has work in many countries including his home of France as well as Spain, the United States, Morocco, Berlin, Taiwan, London, and many others. Blek’s work is often times political, and it has got him in trouble a few times, he isn’t afraid to say what he thinks. Please consider my request, and thank you.
30 January 2009
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I would like to write my research paper on the graffiti artist known as Banksy. A lot of Banksy’s work is focused on social protest specifically protest against capitalism and politics. Since Banksy’s work uses such broad ideas and many works literature contain these themes, I feel developing connections between his work and literature can be done effectively. Banksy’s main artistic technique is graffiti. Personally, graffiti is one of my favorite types of art because I am interested in urban art. Also, graffiti typically connotes themes of vandalism and social themes that are prevalent in society; I feel that these themes should be accurately represented in art. His tendency to create art that openly criticizes society reflects literature of the time. In addition to this, according to the Brian Sewell Art Directory website Banksy tends to “play on the perspective and edges of the item on which he is stenciling”. Therefore, his technique, if viewed on a broader level, can apply to literature in which a single situation is multifaceted. Hopefully my interest in this artist will produce a good paper.
Sincerely,
Michaela Ironuma
30 January 2009
Dear Mr. Gallagher;
Liza Lou caught my attention because of the subject of her art pieces: the concept of confinement that is ironically depicted through glamour. Liza Lou, as a child growing up, struggled through her father’s abusive ways towards her and her mother. Her art pieces show extreme dedication and meticulous details in order to create pieces that make a loud statement about human confinement. Lou’s installments involve a series of humans being entrapped, cages representing imprisonment, and close-up of the various parts of fences, like the barbwire.
I think it will be really interesting to research an abused woman artist who chooses to depict this part of her life through her artwork instead of suppressed that experience. In addition, the fact that she decides to convey her art pieces through such glamorous and such precise details despite the topic of confinement make it that much more worthwhile to examine. I think she will influence literature in that she physically shows that a negative concept as confinement can still be seen in a glamorous light, and does not necessarily have to be black and white.
An example: Homeostasis
Sincerely,
Mary Nguyen
January 30, 2009
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I have opted to take Roy Lichtenstein for this research assignment, specifically for his interesting stylistic elements. As the leader of the pop art movement, his style exemplifies simplicity, bold lines, and brash colors, and I find myself very connected to it. His artwork was heavily influenced by the artwork of modern advertising and early comic book art, all of which is quite attractive.
Beyond that, the subject matter of his work exemplifies ordinary objects and ordinary situations, many times placing them in ironic situations. It is this sort of social commentary that attracts me to Lichtenstein, especially considering the time period -1950s and 1960s- the Cold War. In a general sense, the time period 1950s-1960s is especially interesting considering the social and political upheaval during the time; the art reflects these changes.
Sincerely,
Tzivia B. Halperin
Meat
Kara Walker
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I would like to research more about Kara Walker. I love her technique of cutting and pasting her artwork. It’s a new way of art, since most artist paint and draw. Her art shows narrate a story, influence either by race, sexuality, and gender.
I found quite interesting the way she displays her artwork with colorful lights. It contrasts with her black and dull frames. Her background (African-American) reflects on her artwork since she only cuts her frames on black paper and when they are being displayed, she adds an animated and colorful stage.
The African-American background can easily relate to the African-American literature. The stories she narrates convey her themes of race and gender. Walker shows creativity, and knowledge of art.
Woops, I forgot an example. Here we are:
Blek Le Rat
Feeling Material
January 31, 2009
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I would like to write about Antony Gormley for the research project. Gormley’s pieces are intriguing because generally they focus on one person. Surprisingly, he chooses to use his own body as the subject of many of his pieces. Although there are other aspects incorporated into each piece, I have noticed that many pieces focus on how the body is affected by his surroundings. Many times he depicts himself alone, which alludes to the idea of solitude and confinement. He has also portrayed his body in the mist of a community and he shows how the body is either distant from others or acts as a regular member of that particular society.
His strong background in the study of art shines through in his work because it expresses his detailed and specific inspection of the human body. He desired to use the human body in many pieces because he feels that the body is a major source for the storage of memories and transformation. I think Gormley has a unique way of inspecting life and how different surroundings cause a person to grow and evolve into a completely different person. I feel his art will be interesting for me to explore because he introduces a distinctive way of viewing human interactions.
Sincerely,
Ashley Allen
Dan Witz!
Jorge De la Vega
Dear Mr.Gallagher,
I want to do my research paper on Jorge De La Vega. I really am interested in Jorge because he was a very well rounded man; he did almost every type of different form of art possible. He comes from a Latin background which really makes me all the more interested in him and his work because I come from the same culture. A lot of his work from what I have found really pulls you in even the paintings of just ordinary people. When looking at his paintings it’s almost as if he allows his audience to see the world through his perspective. In almost all the pieces by him that I have seen so far they all have some aspect of the human life in them. His work has this certain depressing tone to it that it has its own gravitational pull to those who see the world in a darker way then most other people. I feel that he would be a perfect artist for me to do my research paper on because he fits into my interests and since he as done so many different forms of art he has so much work and information out there for me to find.
Oh dear, it seems in my anxious frenzy to claim an artist I had forgetten to post a link to a piece of Banksy's work. So here's a link to a picture I found a couple years ago that I really liked.
Show Me The Monet
Peace
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I would like to propose a research project to be done on the great and contemporary artist, Dan Witz. He strays far from the stereotypical street artist and he displays his work subtly. Often times his signature hummingbirds can be found painted on metal doors that would’ve otherwise been ordinary. He has an ability to take mundane and common objects and transform them into pieces of art that gain attention from the public. Not only does Witz specialize in street art, he also has a gallery of work which includes photorealistic figure paintings as well as night scenes. His diverse and dynamic portfolio is what has drawn my eagerness to further research the influences and inspirations he draws from. His works has the power to make people think, look, and see objects in a light different from its conventional purpose. From making his marks on the signs, doors, and buildings on the streets to displaying his talent on canvases, Dan Witz’s abilities cannot be left unexplored. Therefore, I write this letter to you in proposal that I further research not only his works, but his history, his life, and his inspirations.
Sincerely,
Jenny Lam
Peace
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
After much searching, I’ve decided I would like to research Shepard Fairey. I was unaware until today that he designed the “Hope” posters for Obama. He also designed many other CD covers and movie posters that I like and am familiar with, such as a Black Eyed Peas CD cover, and the poster for Walk the Line. He is considered by the ICA to be one of the most well known and influential street artists of today. His art has also been compared to political art done by Andy Warhol in his time. I find all of his art to be interesting and eye catching. If you take a look at the picture I’ve included, you can see that he pays close attention to detail, yet doesn’t overwhelm his work with it. Also, he tends to include simple messages in quite a few of his pictures, like “Peace” in this one, and “Hope” in the Obama picture. All in all, I find Fairey to be a fascinating artist, who I would very much enjoy researching.
Image on Uelsmann’s home page
2 February 2009
Dear Mr. Gallagher
I would like to research Jerry Uelsmann. When I first saw his work, I thought that they were extremely detailed black and white pencil drawings. They often required me to suspend reality when I looked at them. How could I not be surprised when I saw an image of a beautiful mountain range with several trees uprooted? Then, as I looked deeper into his work, I saw a pattern: different images expertly crafted into surreal drawings, sometimes incorporating human images, sometimes not.
As I researched deeper into Jerry Uelsmann’s background, I found that his drawings weren’t drawings at all: They were pictures. Taken with a camara. Apparently, long before Photoshop was invented, Jerry Uelsmann used a darkroom, photo negatives, and expert craftsmanship to create these images. Even more surprisingly to me, Uelsmann still uses his techniques developed before the days of Photoshop.
I want to explore his techniques and his motives for using “traditional” techniques to create these images, when technology now exists that can substantially reduce the need for traditional methods. Why does he insist on using a darkroom and photo negatives? Why does he only use black and white? What is he trying to convey with the photo of trees floating into the air?
I believe that researching Jerry Uelsmann would be very enlightening.
Sincerely,
Stephen Cheung
Anselm Kiefer
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I would be satisfied if I was able to research Anselm Kiefer. In my first reaction to Kiefer’s work, I was amazed at real world image with an out of world twist. All his images are created with the same style. His use of colors and emptiness on the canvas created a second world in front of the viewer. His images all interest me. Looking at the images leaves me with questions like, “why such dark colors?” or “why such an empty world?”
After some research, his pieces of art represented the gruesomeness of World War II. However, I am still left wondering how he picked up the style or what part of the World War that made Kiefer create art. I can also see the sadness in his images, but I want to go deeper into finding out how Kiefer is able to create this feeling of sadness. I believe that Anselm Kiefer has a deep story to tell for his images.
Sincerely,
Andy Vo
February 4, 2009
Malden High School
77 Salem Street
Malden, MA 02148
Dear Ryan Gallagher,
The purpose of my letter is to inform you that I have chosen to do my research paper on the artist Joe Brainard. I wanted to choose an artist whose work was appealing and who also seemed to be an interesting and “different” character. I found it interesting how he always had a knack for art and used it as an outlet for the problems in his life. From the little that I learned while looking at his page and other pages, it seems as though he was unconventional and definitely thought outside of the box.
Also interesting was just how varied Brainard’s work is. Some of his pieces focus solely on flowers and have a psychedelic pattern while other pieces are more serious, dark, and deep. I wanted an artist who was lighthearted and maybe even humorous. When I saw Brainard’s cartoons of Nancy, I inferred that he was that type of person.
While looking at the link to Brainard’s page, I saw that he has written his own books. It will be interesting to see how his artwork and writing connects and how he was influenced by others.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Rodriguez
http://www.joebrainard.org/index.html
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I have settled on Sandy Skoglund to research for my project. At first glance her art fascinated me; it appeared to be drawings of abstract colors smashed together. As I looked closer at her work, I was excited to notice that her “abstract” colors were in fact pictures and drawings of authentic living beings.
Skoglund’s use vibrant colors, strong imagery, and incorporation of humans along with animals sends a vibrant, yet puzzling message. Skoglund’s use of sharp bright colors that do not compliment each other (orange and red for example, or blue and lime green, or teal and blue) engulfs the viewer’s attention, and forces us to want to look at every masterpiece a little longer.
Skolgund uses “surrealism” and “tableaux” to draw and create her art, of which I would like to learn more about.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Alinne DeOliveira
Fish out of Water
(The artwork is not really titled that.)
Dear Mr. Gallagher,
I apologize for posting so late but if it wouldn't be much trouble, I would like to propose that I research Jean-Michel Basquiat. With your recommendation, I further researched this contemporary artist and realized his unique attributes that separates his work from what others would consider "normal", especially in his piece, "Untitled (Skull) painting. He uses dramatic colors and outlines in his paintings, even adding famous quotes hidden in his work, in which he leaves for the eyes to search for. This particular work of art caught me off guard because it was not something I was used to seeing in art galleries or the walls of buildings per say. His work is gruesome, grim, yet imaginative and almost appears to be the work of a child. But this very fact is what attracts me more to research this graffiti artist more than ever.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Gaston
<"a href=http://mik-art.wifeo.com/images/Mona-Lisa-Jean-Michel-Basquiat.jpeg">
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