SB1 - Study task 3 - Image Analysis MARION DEUCHARS

I have selected the work of Marion Deuchars as her book Bob the Artist is a perfect embodiment of the institutionalised view of 'good' art. Communicating to children on example of art, these illustrations show the power of opinion on our taste.

Deuchars as a contemporary illustrator demonstrates the place of 'high art' in modern cultures and uses it as a tool with child psychology. Her picture-book uses modern art as a tool to encourage self-expression in children. It is interesting that Deuchars employs modern Western art in her persuasive narrative, showing the power of media on our taste. The bright colours and playful aesthetic of Deuchars' illustrations undeniably invite a question of psychology. The illustrations become persuasive tools for what we believe must be good. Deuchars illustrates the institutionalised concept of what art is. The recognisable imagery communicates to children 'this is art', suggesting that a common perception of art is programmed into us.

SB1 - Study task 3 - Image Analysis DA VINCI

I have selected Mona Lisa by Da Vinci as an undeniable symbol of 'high art' which yet seems to undergo it's fair share of criticism.

Mona Lisa, as a pioneering image of the Renaissance is without question and image of 'high art'. We appear submissive to the seemingly 'high brow' artists as we are conditioned to believe they are good, and informed this by their tourist attraction labels.  The enigmatic smile that invites us to view the work also upholds its status. Commercialism and consumerism has paved the way for a question of social status. The belief, or rather, condition that the Mona Lisa is good in fact seems unlearnt and over popularised, begging the question: is 'good' taste in fact distaste?

SB1 - Study Task 3 - Image Analysis JEFF KOONS

Working from the initial 20 images selected in line with my chosen quote, I have selected Michael Jackson and Bubbles by Jeff Koons as I feel it is an example of 'high art' which embodies traits of commercial aesthetics and seems to challenge gallery power structures.

Koons' porcelain sculpture seems to evoke many questions about art and taste. Jackson as an image of popular culture seems to challenge conventional 'taste' in art by merging art with mass culture. This application of popular culture onto a sculptural object, seems to explore consumerism through accessibility of the subject matter. Part of Koons' Banality series, it is no surprise that Koons has used such an unoriginal image of mass culture. The materials of porcelain and gold detailing seem to echo christian sculptures, elevating the subject matter and creating a sense of the precious and ornate. I question whether the work challenges conventions of taste through its 'tacky' subject matter and aesthetic, or if Koons' institutionalized art name enforces the sculpture as an image of taste.

SB1 - Study task 3 - Visual Analysis

6 IMAGES TO EXPLORE

Grayson Perry - The Existential Void

Perry's pot explores very explicit ideas around expectation and conformation with society and the wider art world. I am interested in Perry's social commentary and the very critical dialogues that embellish a conventionally precious and delicate media. 

Marion Deuchars - Bob the Artist

Deuchars' illustrations capture the issue of a taught taste through high art imagery within a children's book. It is interesting to consider the playful tone of voice of Deuchar's illustrations on a subject that could be seen as very rigid and refined. 

Jeff Koons - Michael Jackson and Bubbles

This sculpture from Koons captures the very flux of my theme, aura vs commercialism. His media use and institutionalised name seem in conflict with the subject matter and rather garish aesthetic.

Van Gogh - Sunflowers

Van Gogh's sunflowers are an immediately recognisable image of high art through his household name, yet I am interested in what it is about the painting that achieves such an aura, and why it seems to be so flexibly reproduced. 

Da Vinci - Mona Lisa

Similarly with Mona Lisa, it is a piece of high art iconography, a universal image. It could be interesting to consider the manipulation of the image and perhaps how the stability of its aura is challenged by consumerism and the media.

Vladimir Tretchikoff - Miss Wong

Tretchikoff seems to hold aesthetic qualities not too far different from high art painters, yet his work is so immediately aligned with the kitsch. I am particularly interested in the artist's decision to take a commercial route and how this impacts the aura of his work. 

Lecture 8 - What is Research?

RESEARCH AS PROGRESS

KNOWLEDGE --> ANALYSIS --> COMPREHENSION -->APPLICATION --> EVALUATION --> SYNTHESIS

The process of working will always be more important than the outcome.
- is this because the process invites all the reflection and learning that informs the outcome?
- all the learning curves happen in the making process/ the research process
- in research we learn all the components that drive the direction of the outcome

*Failing helps us to realise new ways of practice, FAIL QUICKER

APPROACHES TO IDEA GENERATION:
1. Stimulated approach - search for inspiration/ developing associations and connections
2. Systematic approach - collection and modification of components, characteristics and means of          expression.
3. Intuitive approach - development of thought process.

         STIMULATED <---> INTUITIVE <---> SYSTEMATIC <---> STIMULATED

In my current practice I notice the systematic approach as the most prominent, particularly in the initial stages of projects. It seems that the collection of components aids a more informed outcome and I find collecting photographs and observations rather essential to the initial generation of my ideas. 

RESEARCH IS ALWAYS DRIVEN BY A QUESTION

1. Primary research - developed and collected for a specific use
   - OWN RESEARCH DEFINED BY OWN SET PURPOSE

2. Secondary research - published of recorded research used for a purpose elsewhere
    - USING EXISTING RESEARCH TO INFORM OWN DEVELOPMENT

3. Quantitative research - collecting through measure, numerical data, statistical analysis
    - APPLICATION OF SURVEYS/ STATISTICS/ MEASUREMENTS

4. Qualitative research - interacting with people and observing subjects, description without numerical data
    - PERCEPTIONS AND VIEWS BASED ON STUDIED OBSERVATIONS