food for thought

  1. The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls. Pablo Picasso
  2. Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. Edgar Degas
  3. No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist. Oscar Wilde
  4. To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist. Schumann
  5. The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity. Walt Whitman

October 05, 2023

1. Course one: Art and Communication. An overview on the peculiarities of the discourse about art

The members of the (artistic) discourse community share several features:
  • a set of common public goals
  • mechanisms of intercommunication
  • mechanisms to provide information and feedback
  • GENRES - which are specific to the common goals
  • specific lexis
  • discourse expertise in the specific field
TASK 1: Can you exemplify these common features: e.g. What common goals do artists have? Which are the mechanisms through which they communicate among themselves?
Art and communication: visual + verbal/linguistic

Visual communication: facilitated by such features as theme, subject matter, elements of design, principles of design/composition, iconography (signs, symbols).



Linguistic/verbal communication: 

The artistic discourse community employs its own discourse, characterized by certain features:
  • specific vocabulary (the specific lexis)
- everyday words placed in a new, art-specific context (e.g. brush, installation, ground, glazing, etc)
- words from science and technology (e.g. de-gas; alkyd resin)
-word-formation (e.g. water-colour, aqua-tint, body-color, aquamarine, etc)
- borrowings (from French: e.g.frottage, sanguine, gouache, and Italian: e.g. sfumato, chiaroscuro, sgraffitto, etc )
- specific phrases (e.g. still life, life-size, color  field, nonobjective art, found object, ready-made, etc)
- trademarks/tradenames (e.g. a Picasso, a Chanel, an Impressionist, etc)
- NOMENCLATURES
  •  specific morphology, syntax, semnatics, rhetoric (not extremely different from the general use, yet presenting some peculiarities; see Artspeak and IAE = International Art English)
  •  specific GENRES

NOMENCLATURES = hierarchical arrangement of the terminology of an area of study; they are probably the most important characteristic of any specific vocabulary.

subject-matter identifiable objects, stories, events; "what is depicted?"
  • representational/abstract/non-representational=nonobjective art
  • meaning=content
  • title
  • iconography + iconology
formal elements:
  • line (e.g. dominant/subordinate, smooth/jerky/brusque/jagged)
  • shape (e.g. geometric/biomorphic)
  • light/dark (value,key)
  • mass
  • volume
  • colour, hue, value, intensity/saturation/purity; primary/secondary/intermediate/analogous/monochromes/warm/cool
  • space (overlapped shapes, foreshortening, size, linear=geometric perspective + vanishing point/atmospheric=aerial perspective/realistic space/analogical,abstract space; three/bi-dimensional space
  • texture
  • time and motion
  • sound and smell
principles of design:
  • balance (symmetrical/approximately symmetrical/asymmetrical balance)
  • focal point
  • dominance
  • economy
  • rhythm
  • scale, proportion ("the golden section")
  • unity/variety
  • open/closed composition

purposes of art (functions that artworks may fulfill - in religious rituals, commemorating, the assertion of power, honoring a person, recording an event, etc)

processes and materials/media
  • drawing (e.g. in silverpoint, in pastels, etc)
  • painting (e.g. in acrylics, oil paint, etc)
  • printmaking (relief/intaglio processes/engraving/drypoint/aquatint, etc)
  • sculpture (additive/subtractive; modelling, casting, assemblages, etc)
styles
  • conceptual, representational, illusionistic, naturalistic, realistic, idealistic, abstract, non-representational;
  • Classical/Romantic/Baroque/Impressionistic/Expressionistic, etc
In addition, click the link below:



Task 2: give some examples of how the artist may communicate a specific thing through one or more of the above features of the plastic discourse.

GENRES     = classes of communicative events (spoken, or written) that share the same communicative  purposes

The genres that we will be studying are:
  • the critical essay (the formal analysis, the expository essay, the compare and contrast essay, the argumentative essay);
  • the essay examination;
  • the research paper
  • the art review
  • the art news
  • the artist's statement
  • the artist's blog
  • the artist's home page/website
  • the exhibition catalog

NOTE: for more detailed information and deeper insight, please consult the following books (in the UAD library) by Anda-Elena Cretiu: An ESP Perspective on Art-Related Discourse, EZway Books, LLC, Las Vegas, NV, 2004, chapter3- An overview of the peculiarities of the discourse about art, pp.71-100; the 1000 terms dictionary at the end may also be of some help + Art Terms - English-Romanian/ Romanian-English Dictionary, CCS, 2015. You may as well consider  Discourse and Communication in Visual Arts, CCS, 2014 (pp. 9-68) and 249-259


TASKS:  DEADLINE: October 18, 24 hrs.


9 comments:

  1. Cordos Vlad Nicolae, grafica anul 2
    Task 1. To be an artist is never easy. All artists should be careful to set achievable artistic goals. Growing as an artist isn't always about painting more, however. You can set goals that help you grow not just your skill, but your creativity, and these are some of the best goals to set. Creativity should be fun! Almost every artist struggles to share their art in some way. There is great reward in sharing your art with others. Some artists join a painting group, others start an Instagram account, or post a painting on their Facebook page.

    Task 2. Communication through art can be achieved in many ways. Sometimes they're obvious, like an image of a religious or political leader, but other times, artworks communicate through elements you might not notice at first, like the choice of colors, composition (the underlying form and how elements relate to one another).

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tãnase Giulia Ana-Maria ,Pictura ,anul II

    Task 1: The concept of being an artist is full of complexity, the configuration of the creative self presents a difficult but also a fulfilling path. In my opinion, the supreme and constant goal of an artist is its metamorphosis. Thus, everything boils down to the fulfillment of knowledge and creation through the exchange of the internal and external dimensions. But there are also goals in the profane and social plane, such as sharing artistic creations with people, recognition and appreciation on an international level, or even participation at events, projects, exhibitions, biennials.
    Communication between artists is also important, whether there is a professional collaboration, or an exchange of experience, an opinion, a discussion, publicity or a publication. Such mechanisms strengthen intercommunication and result in additional information and honest and necessary feedback, supporting the artistic community and the artist as an individual.

    Task 2 : The way artists communicate specific things can be both direct and indirect. A specific subject can be approached through an appropriate vocabulary, through the use of specialised nomenclatures, through trademarks or tradenames, or even through the publication of articles in the art field. These types of discussions, with a specific lexis, can also be approached in the context of a vernissage or a casual meeting.
    Indirect communication is supported by the artists’ creation, by their style, the processes and materials used, the composition or proportions, through the emotions that emerge from the brushwork, from the chosen colours, the contrasts, or the signs and symbols that have a more common meaning and the ones with little to no obvious connotation, which generate the desire to decipher.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lungu Andra, Grafica, recuperare credite

    Task 1: Artists often share the goal of expressing creativity, conveying messages, and evoking emotional or intellectual responses from audiences. The community may also aim to contribute to cultural dialogue, challenge norms, or explore new artistic views. Artists communicate through various channels, including exhibitions, galleries, social media, and collaborative projects. Artists develop expertise in visual language, understanding elements like color theory, composition, and symbolism. Additionally, they acquire knowledge of art history, contextualizing their work within broader artistic narratives. To do art means to constantly change and work fluidly, to be able to create and bring new, fresh perspectives.

    Task 2: An artist communicates emotion or energy through the use of line; smooth lines may evoke calmness, while jagged lines convey tension.
    Shape, whether geometric or fluid, influences the viewer's perception and emotional response to the artwork. Of course, iconography and iconology also communicate deeper meanings, connecting symbols and narratives within the artwork.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Șerban Irina, Design, Anul III, recuperare credite, în locul temelor de pe Classroom

    Artists, driven by a shared passion for creative expression, often harbor common goals despite the diversity of their individual practices. One overarching aspiration is the pursuit of meaningful communication. Through their work, artists aim to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, engaging viewers on emotional, intellectual, or even spiritual levels.
    The mechanisms facilitating communication among artists are as diverse as their creations. Dialogue unfolds through exhibitions, where artists showcase their works to the public and engage in a silent exchange of ideas. Art galleries, museums, and online platforms serve as communal spaces where creators share their perspectives, fostering a continuous discourse.
    Ultimately, the common thread weaving through artists' goals is the desire to contribute to a shared narrative of human experience. The mechanisms supporting their communication evolve alongside technological advancements and shifting societal dynamics, ensuring that the artistic dialogue remains a vibrant and evolving tapestry.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Șerban Irina, Design, Anul III, recuperare credite, în locul temelor de pe Classroom

    Task 2

    Artists communicate through the plastic discourse in nuanced ways, they might use color palettes to evoke specific emotions; composition and arrangement to guide the viewer's focus and interpretation; texture and surface quality to convey tactile experiences; lines and shapes to imply movement or tension; symbolism and iconography to embed layers of meaning; light and shadow to create atmosphere; and scale and proportion to convey a sense of significance or intimacy. These elements collectively form a rich visual language through which artists articulate their unique perspectives and narratives.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Pap Andrada sectia foto-video an III, recuperare credite
    Task1:
    Artists commonly share the goal of self-expression, aiming to convey emotions, ideas, and perspectives through their work. Another common objective is to evoke emotional responses or provoke thought in their audience. Many artists also aspire to contribute to cultural conversations, challenging norms and offering alternative viewpoints. Mechanisms of communication among artists include exhibitions, where they showcase their work to peers and the public, fostering dialogue and inspiration. Additionally, social media platforms and online forums provide artists with digital spaces to share ideas, collaborate, and receive feedback. The combination of visual and verbal/linguistic elements in their creations allows artists to communicate complex narratives, enhance meaning, and engage audiences on multiple levels.

    Task2:
    An artist may communicate a sense of tranquility through the plastic discourse by selecting subject matter such as serene landscapes, using formal elements like soft color palettes and gentle brushstrokes, and applying principles of design such as balance and harmony. In terms of processes and materials, employing watercolor techniques or creating sculptures with smooth, flowing lines can enhance the overall feeling of calmness in the artwork. Conversely, to convey tension or conflict, an artist might choose subject matter depicting tumultuous scenes, employ formal elements like contrasting colors and jagged lines, and use principles of design such as asymmetry. Through varied materials and processes like textured brushstrokes or mixed media, the artist can evoke a visceral response that aligns with the intended emotional tone, demonstrating the nuanced ways in which the plastic discourse informs the communication of specific themes or feelings.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ioana-Maria Mahu, Foto Video anul II, recuperare credite

    Task 1

    Artists are the people who will always have to learn and innovate. But this evolution can only be achieved through hard work, experience, emotion and knowledge. Everyone wants to evolve as quickly as possible and this knowledge can be gained by simply communicating with other artists. The sharing of information, criticism and even experiences contributes to their growth. Some places where artists can express their opinions can be both online and offline, like exhibitions, or even conferences and workshops. Also, a much more generous and even friendlier space, especially for introverts, is social media which allows you the freedom to express yourself much more easily.
    In conclusion, I think one of the ways to evolve as an artist is simply sharing ideas with other people in the same field. They can make you ambitious to be more creative.


    task 2

    The artist's desire is to communicate what he feels, and colour, line and subject matter can convey a lot of ideas without too much explanation. Also very important is the way we express ourselves and our attitude towards others. Sometimes, works of art represent an avalanche of emotions, which cannot be explained concretely, but can awaken in each participant to an exhibition, as I said above, color is very important, because we associate it with different situations. The same with line, for example a sharp line can mean anger.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Adelina Osan, ITA, Anul III, recuperare credite

    TASK 1: Self-expression is the main intent of all artists in their work. Regarding discourse, artists' technical vocabulary, knowledge and expertise would be considered common ground, along with their particular interest in art-related fields. As for mechanisms of communication, artists use exhibitions and gallery openings, residences, art associations or group collaborative projects, as well as informal gatherings to interact with their peers. Virtual spaces and various online platforms have also gathered more attention from the artistic community.

    TASK 2: Fashion designers can experiment with modern printmaking techniques to elevate their creations without being limited to traditional fabric suppliers. The technology advancements available now offer contemporary designers new opportunities of self-expression. Digital printing is a suitable option for designers who’d like to create capsule collections in a unique way. For example, an artist could create their own logo and insert it in petals of a floral print using illustration sketches they’ve created digitally and print the resulting work on a material that would later become a one-of-a-kind dress.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Andreea Chiriluș
    Task 1,

    Within the artistic discourse community, members coalesce around a set of common goals that include expressing creativity, communicating emotions, and provoking thoughtful engagement. These goals are achieved through diverse mechanisms of intercommunication, such as art exhibitions, collaborations, workshops, and online platforms dedicated to sharing artistic endeavors. The community thrives on mechanisms providing information and feedback, involving critiques, art communities, mentorship, and public engagement through online interactions. Specific genres, like critical essays, art reviews, artists' statements, and exhibition catalogs, tailor communication to their common goals. The discourse is enriched by a specific lexicon, incorporating everyday words in an art context, technical terms from science, and borrowed words from other languages. Members exhibit discourse expertise by navigating and applying this specialized language, understanding art criticism, recognizing diverse styles, and demonstrating proficiency in various artistic techniques and media. Overall, this community's cohesion is defined by a rich tapestry of shared goals, communication channels, and a nuanced language that reflects their collective passion for artistic expression.

    Task 2
    An artist can communicate a message or an idea in many ways, for example, in the painting titled "Harmony in Nature," the artist skillfully employs the plastic discourse to convey a serene landscape. The nomenclature, with its specific vocabulary, sets the tone, while the subject-matter depicts identifiable elements like trees and mountains. Through formal elements, such as warm colors creating a tranquil atmosphere and textured surfaces representing rugged terrain, the artist communicates a specific mood. Principles of design, like symmetrical balance and a focal point bathed in sunlight, enhance the visual experience. Iconography introduces symbolic elements like a rising sun, adding depth to the narrative. If the painting follows an Impressionistic style, loose brushstrokes contribute to the fleeting beauty of the scene. The overall purpose may be to evoke awe, appreciation for nature, or a reminder of tranquility. The artist's choice of materials, such as oil paints and canvas texture, further enriches the viewer's engagement with the artwork, showcasing the intricate interplay of elements within the plastic discourse.

    ReplyDelete

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