COMMUNICATIVE PURPOSE: to theorize/speculate about:
-causes + /- effects
-particular meanings
-artist's choices
-possible developments, etc
Theorizing = performing an inferential type of mental activity (moving from particular items to general ideas), whose result is a thesis that must be supported by several points of proof
DISCOURSE STRATEGIES (that can be used when developing points of proof):
- explaining viewer's reactions
- formal analysis
- comparing works/artists/features
- historical/anecdotal narratives
- exemplification
- quoting/paraphrasing
- paradox, etc
STANDARD MOVE-STRUCTURE:
MOVE I: introducing the subject, thesis, list of points of proof
Step 1: Introducing the subject (title of work, artist, context of creation)
Step 2: stating the thesis: one complete, unified statement, limited to one aspect only, general enough to ask for support, defensible, not too obvious
Step 3: stating the points of proof (2-3) intended to be used in order to support the thesis
MOVE II: developing the points of proof
Step 1: developing the first point of proof
Step 2: developing the 2nd point of proof
Step 3: developing the 3rd point of proof
MOVE III: concluding by evaluating the measure in which the points of proof have demonstrated the thesis
MOVE IV: Works cited (whenever one uses bibliography)
Task 1. Comment on the way the theses and the points of proof were formulated and developed in the two texts we have read in class (1. The African Influences in Brancusi's Work by Paul Stoie and 2. Idea for Sale by Oana Boca). Which of them appears to you more convincing and why?
Task 2. Try to formulate a thesis and a list of points of proof on a subject of your choice.
Deadline: December 10
BRANCUSI
Newborn
The First Cry
The First Step
1. Pițigoi Alexia Nicoleta, Design departament, 2nd year.
ReplyDeleteIn The African Influences in Brancusi’s Work by Paul Stoie, the thesis is clearly formulated, arguing that African art significantly shaped Brancusi’s artistic approach. Stoie supports this claim through detailed analysis of Brancusi’s sculptural forms, comparing them to traditional African artifacts. The points of proof rely on visual and stylistic comparisons as well as historical context, which makes the argument clear. However, some points might feel reliant on interpretation rather than hard evidence, leaving room for subjective disagreement.
In Idea for Sale by Oana Boca, the thesis addresses the commercialization of art, arguing that marketing and branding have transformed art into a commodity. The points of proof are less developed compared to Stoie’s work. Boca draws examples from contemporary art and its market dynamics, but the analysis can feel scattered, making it harder to follow.
Between the two, Stoie’s work appears more convincing due to its focused structure and detailed points of proof. The logical flow and use of historical comparisons lend the argument more credibility, even if it is somewhat subjective.
2. The Role of Light in Impressionist Painting
Thesis: The use of light in Impressionist painting revolutionized art by emphasizing naturalism, capturing the passage of time, and challenging traditional techniques.
-focus on natural light. Instead of painting in studios, they worked outside to capture real sunlight.
-showing changes in light. They painted the same scenes at different times to show how light changes
-new painting techniques. Used short, quick brushstrokes and lighter colors to make light look more natural.
Bolog Andreea-Patricia, Graphics Department, second year.
ReplyDelete1. The thesis, written by Paul Stoie, clearly states that Brancusi's work was influenced by African art throughout his career, even though he denied it. The points are well-developed by Paul, using examples like "The First Cry" and "The Beginning of the World", as well as his carving techniques. While scholarly references add depth, they sometimes overshadow the author’s own ideas.
On the other hand, the second thesis focuses on the idea that “selling art is an art,” shown through Feng Zsu’s ability to create marketable designs. The points are explained with clear examples, like his parasite-inspired design and step-by-step process. The emphasis on client engagement and presentation makes the argument practical and relatable.
2. Performance Art is Transformative
Thesis: "Performance art is transformative because it challenges traditional art forms, engages audiences in unique ways, and fosters social and personal change."
points of proof:
- Performance art breaks away from static mediums like painting or sculpture, emphasizing process over product.
- Unlike other art forms, performance art often involves direct audience interaction, making viewers active participants.
- Performance art addresses social issues such as identity, politics, and inequality, inspiring collective reflection.
Vartolomei Narcis-George, Graphics Departament, 3rd year.
ReplyDelete1. The African Influences in Brancusi's Work" by Paul
Stoie:
• Thesis: Stoie’s thesis is likely focused on how African art influenced
Brancusi’s sculptures, possibly suggesting that these influences can
be seen in the abstraction and simplicity of his work. In order to support his thesis, Stoie might refer to
specific examples of Brancusi’s sculptures, comparing them to
traditional African art to demonstrate stylistic similarities or themes.
He might use formal analysis (describing the shapes, materials, and
composition) or historical narratives (discussing the exposure of
European artists to African art in the early 20th century).
"Idea for Sale" by Oana Boca. Boca’s thesis is likely about the commercialization of art and
how the concept of "selling ideas" has become a central part of the art
world today.
• Points of Proof: Boca might use examples from contemporary art
practices, historical context about the market for art, and anecdotal
evidence about artists and art dealers. The formal analysis could
include discussions on how certain artists market their ideas rather
than physical works, exploring the philosophical shift in the art world.
• "The African Influences in Brancusi's Work": Stoie’s thesis seems to rely on a
more objective analysis of visual and historical evidence. He likely supports his
argument with specific examples from Brancusi’s work and links these to African
art forms, which would be a more structured, analytical approach.
• "Idea for Sale": Boca's thesis, on the other hand, appears to delve into more
conceptual, socio-economic arguments regarding art’s role in contemporary
society. The points of proof might involve real-world examples from the art
market, quotes from artists, and analysis of how contemporary art has been
commodified. This approach seems more abstract and might involve exploring
contradictions or paradoxes in the art world.
2, "The Impact of Digital Tools on Creature Design in Modern Concept
Art".
Digital tools, particularly software like Photoshop and ZBrush, have
revolutionized creature design by providing artists with unprecedented
flexibility and control, allowing for more complex and dynamic creations
This thesis can be argued through the following ideas:
Increased Flexibility in Design: Digital tools allow artists to quickly alter
designs and experiment with different shapes, textures, and features,
compared to traditional hand-drawing methods. For example, with
ZBrush, artists can sculpt detailed textures and forms in 3D space,
making it easier to visualize and adjust creature designs.
This point strengthens the thesis by showing how digital tools enable
speed and efficiency in the creative process. The ability to quickly
produce and modify multiple versions of a design supports the idea that
digital tools make the design process more fluid and responsive,
contributing to the creation of more complex and dynamic creatures.
Task 1: The African Influences in Brancusi's Work" by Paul
ReplyDeleteStoie:
Stoie’s thesis is likely focused on how African art influenced Brancusi’s sculptures, possibly suggesting that these influences can be seen in the abstraction and simplicity of his work. In order to support his thesis, Stoie might refer to specific examples of Brancusi’s sculptures, comparing them to traditional African art to demonstrate stylistic similarities or themes. He might use formal analysis (describing the shapes, materials, and composition) or historical narratives (discussing the exposure of European artists to African art in the early 20th century).
"Idea for Sale" by Oana Boca: Boca’s thesis is likely about the commercialization of art and how the concept of "selling ideas" has become a central part of the art
world today. Boca might use examples from contemporary art practices, historical context about the market for art, and anecdotal evidence about artists and art dealers. The formal analysis could include discussions on how certain artists market their ideas rather than physical works, exploring the philosophical shift in the art world.
Stoie’s argument might feel more grounded in concrete visual examples and historical context, making it easier to follow and validate. Boca’s argument, though intellectually compelling, might be harder to prove given the abstract nature of selling ideas and the lack of tangible examples.
Task 2: "The Impact of Digital Tools on Creature Design in Modern Concept
Art".
Digital tools, particularly software like Photoshop and ZBrush, have
revolutionized creature design by providing artists with unprecedented
flexibility and control, allowing for more complex and dynamic creations
This thesis can be argued through the following ideas:
Increased Flexibility in Design: Digital tools allow artists to quickly alter designs and experiment with different shapes, textures, and features, compared to traditional hand-drawing methods. For example, with ZBrush, artists can sculpt detailed textures and forms in 3D space, making it easier to visualize and adjust creature designs.
One of the primary advantages of digital tools in creature design is the flexibility they provide. In traditional methods, creating multiple iterations of a design or adjusting an existing concept was time-consuming and challenging. However, digital tools allow artists to experiment with various aspects of a creature’s appearance—such as shape, size, posture, or features—at an accelerated pace. Tools such as ZBrush’s
3D sculpting feature allow artists to quickly adjust the form of a creature’s body, face, or limbs. Artists can work in layers and make modifications to different parts of the design without affecting other elements. For example, an artist can tweak the creature’s posture or scale its features, such as enlarging claws or resizing wings,
without starting from scratch each time.
In summary, digital tools such as Photoshop and ZBrush have greatly impacted creature design by providing unprecedented flexibility, allowing for intricate detail, and enabling rapid iteration. These advantages not
only improve the creative process for artists but also contribute to the evolution of more complex and dynamic designs in the worlds of video games, animation, and film. By offering these capabilities, digital tools
have transformed creature design into a more efficient, detailed, and imaginative art form.
My name is Catrișcău Răzvan and I am a student at the department Istoria și Teoria Artei, 2nd year.
ReplyDeleteTask 1. In the essay written by Paul Stoie, entitled "The African influences in Brancusi's work", the stages of preparation and development of the thesis are very clearly exposed on the structural skeleton of the text. The staged structure that Paul Stoie applied in the text favors looking at periods of stylistic development of Brancusi's art, which contributes to the high clarity of the information transmitted in the text.
In the end, an elegant conclusion is reached and well supported by everything present in the text regarding the contribution that African art has on Brancusi's works.
In the essay written by Oana Boca, entitled "Idea for sale" it is about the art of selling art, an essay that due to the chosen theme comes under the aspect of an educational and methodological process. A reverse process in thinking about the textual structure compared to the essay written by Paul Stoie, because in that case the conclusion is reached through a thesis-based dissection of Brâncuși's art, and in this case the conclusion is reached through a construction around the thesis.
Although the first text wins in terms of clarity, for me, the text written by Oana Boca is the more educational essay as a model of writing, due to the perspective of looking at artistic practice from the inside.
Task 2. A.I art will have a similar impact on fine arts as photography had on art starting with the end of the 19th century.
-A.I. is pushing artists educated in schools and universities to find new innovative ways of expression that will prove their superior position to what can now be created with the help of a robot.
- A.I art reduces the value placed on skill, raising the price placed on the pure idea.
-A.I. art gives everyone the opportunity, more than ever, to become an artist, because there is no longer any constraint due to the lack of craft education.
serban anouk-irina, ceramica-sticla-metal, anul 3, restanta anul 2 sem 1 si 2
ReplyDeleteTask 1 Text 1:
Stoie effectively positions the influence of African art on Brancusi as a pivotal aspect of his artistic evolution. The thesis articulates the significance of cultural exchange and suggests that understanding this influence is key to appreciating Brancusi's innovations in sculpture.
Stoie supports his thesis by examining specific sculptures, discussing their formal qualities, and comparing them to traditional African art. This formal analysis effectively illustrates how elements like simplified forms and abstraction stem from African influences.
Text 2:
Boca’s thesis centers on the commodification of art and the implications for artistic integrity. It provides a thought-provoking perspective but may be seen as somewhat broad, as it invites a multitude of interpretations and discussions on the relationship between art and commerce.
Boca utilises historical narratives and examples from contemporary art markets to substantiate her claims. While these points illustrate the impact of commercialisation, they may not be as tightly connected to her thesis as in Stoie’s text.
Between the two, Stoie's text appears more convincing. His focused thesis and systematic points of proof create a strong, coherent argument that effectively ties together the cultural influences on Brancusi's work. In contrast, Boca’s broader thesis, while engaging, lacks the same level of specificity and may lead to ambiguity in its support.
TTask 2
Eco-art plays a crucial role in contemporary environmental activism by engaging audiences emotionally, raising awareness about ecological issues, and inspiring community action.
Eco-art often utilizes powerful visual and sensory experiences to evoke emotional responses from viewers, compelling them to reflect on their relationship with nature.
Many eco-art projects focus on specific environmental issues, such as climate change or biodiversity loss, utilizing art as a medium to disseminate information and educate the public.
Eco-art not only aims to inform but also encourages community involvement through participatory art projects that galvanise people to take collective action for environmental sustainability.
This structured approach provides a clear framework to analyse the intersection of eco-art and environmental activism, fostering discussion on how art can contribute to societal change.