Global Artists

Global studies in art are a great gateway for artists to share their culture through their art. Many aspects of culture can be found in art. Many contemporary artists show how migration and practices are reflected in their work. I love examining work from far away.

Artist Paul Gauguin is a well known French artist from the Post Impression era. Paul Gauguin painted from culture outside of his own. He lived part of his young life in Peru, which later influenced his artwork. This artist shows global aspects in his own work. It is good to examine artists from another time to compare how multiculturalism has influenced art through time. Paul Gauguin painted in France as an adult in the late 1800’s. He rejected his own French culture. But in his work you can see how his own French identity is layered with his experiences with the Polynesian culture. His works style is clearly post impressionist, but the imagery is inspired by another place. Many French post impressionist artists used similar color scheme in their works. It was Paul Gauguin who experimented with vibrant colors and his style was considered avant-garde to his peers. It is amazing to see that globalization is apparent throughout history. It has evolved with time and accessibility of technology.

Paul Gauguin
Nafea Faa Ipoipo, 1892

The practices of artists are to relay messages to the rest of the world of what they know and see and feel.

There is a beautiful exhibit at the SAM right now on Polynesian art and culture by artist Paul Gauguin. The show is highlighting the art and culture of Polynesia. Artist Gauguin reflects his artwork outside of his own French culture. This artist is from the 19^th century and the exhibit juxtaposes his work with Actual Polynesian art and sculptures.

Fatata te mipi (delectable waters), 1892 

http://seattleartmuseum.org/gauguin/

Goldfish 1901

Goldfish 1901

Gustav Klimt 

 

Art Nouveau is my favorite art period. My favorite artist of the time is Alphonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt is second in running. Of all his work Goldfish is my favorite. The lines in the image are organic and feminine. Free flowing and fun. The colors create a large value range. Bright smooth to dark and unknown. The color of the fish and the foreground to the right of it shows exuberance, and texture, a sparkle, a sense of glimmer. I love the playfulness and femininity of the subjects.  The subjects look as f they are playing in a pond, or maybe even an ocean. The perspective is also obscure which leave much for your imagination.

 

http://www.expo-klimt.com/1_3.cfm?id=-1633020355

First Cartoon Made

One of western culture’s favorite pastimes is remembered watching Saturday morning cartoons. In America our youth has had the privilege of growing up with animated tales. It has taken other countries over fifty years to show the same media to their young. From 1991 on, children’s based cartoon channels have surfaced on our cable selections.  In India the first children’s channel aired in 1999. Many of the cartoons that people watch are from a western culture. India has recently launched their first 2D animated films, and series’ made and produced in Bollywood. 

The first animated western cartoon made was “Fantasmagorie" by the French director Émile Cohl. The cartoon reel on film was released in 1908. 

In the late 1920’s Walt Disney started to make their first reels of animated film for the child viewer. Today our children have a variety of cartoon channels to watch and can choose hundreds of shows to watch. The animations that our children watch are produced from many other cultures. In India the children have been influenced by western cartoon heroes from a couple cable channels now being broadcast to their televisions. 

Most cartoon produces are from the western culture. Some Indian parents are concerned with the influences the children are taking from cartoons. Many families feel that monitoring their child when they view cartoons is necessary.  Some children are taking influence and ideas of our culture into their daily lives. Some families feel that their children are loosing their traditional culture through westernization or globalization. 

Some of the cartoons that are being aired on the Indian cartoon broadcast channel for children are Japanese, Crayon Shin Chan, (which airs on the Saturday by Cartoon networks adult swim at 2 am.) others include Tom and Jerry, (which displays acts of random violence), Johnny Bravo, (American male chauvinist)

In India the first animated cartoon TV series was launched in 2003. It is called Hanuman. The series is based off of an ancient Hindu god. The ancient Hanuman is a monkey headed deity who performs great deeds, and leads a monkey army to defeat the evil. The new animated series’ character is a deity reborn as a boy / superhero who attends life as an everyday character who fights common day dilemmas to save the Earth. Other popular Indian made animations include some of the most popular Hindu gods such as Ganesha, and Krishna. “A number of haloed Hindu gods and goddesses have debuted in the frenetic world of animation over the past five years. Their appearance marks a shift from a decades-long period in which Indian children grew up almost exclusively on American TV and movie characters.” (Lakshmi) 

Parents like the Idea of their children learning ancient myths through cartoons. They are not worried about monitoring their children at the television. The Indian culture has found a successful way to introduce the ancient tales, and cultural values, of their background to their children, who are surely losing touch with their heritage with so many options from today’s emerging popular culture.  The new animated series, is promoting India’s ancient culture as a new cool trend.  

The cartoons being produced in India are full of values and good virtue. The animation is as quality as American, Canadian or Japanese toons. In fact the animation is revolutionary. The imagery and illustration is far beyond a typical Warner Brothers or Disney animation flick. Each still image is a beautiful piece of artwork in itself. The color and flow of the images catch the attention of all viewers, young and old. The traditional stories are a brilliant way to broaden our knowledge of the countries traditional cultures.    India has much to offer the rest of the animation world. India is leading by example. This example may help stop producing and airing our children cartoons that need to be monitored closely.  We may also get a little closer to making shows for our children that will teach them about traditions, culture and good morals.

Lakshmi, Rama.  In India, Gods Rule The 'Toon' Universe: Hindu Myth a Fount of Superheroes. Washington Post Foreign Service. 2008

 

Vālmīki, Manmatha Nath Dutt. The Ramayana. Girish Chandra Chackravarti, 1893

 

Allen Katie. BBC children's series confirms India is centre of animation. The Guardian. 2008                                  <http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jan/02/bbc.television>

www.indiantelevision.com

 

 

 

18th Century Fashion

The 18th century fashion was social life and class structure. The idea was to show your wealth through your dress and belongings. Fashion remained consistent throughout the century until the American and French revolution. The styles and ideas of the previous century carried over.

In the beginning of 18th Century the fashion from the previous century, Rocco Style remained prevalent because Louis XV, was only 5 when anointed king. During this period “the regency” the styles of the earlier century carried over. The court of Versailles was abandoned during this period until Louis was 13, at this time he was of age and court returned to Versailles. Fashions of the times were influenced by his Mistress Madame de Pompadour. Madame Pompadour was a fashion influence, in style and art, including fans hairdos and dresses. The Rocco style was replaced with neoclassical in 1770 until the mid 1800’s. With the help of 1748 excavations at Herculaneum, classic antiquity was revived and this stimulated neoclassical revival.

The lifestyle reflected lavish court. Louis XVI succeeds, marries Marie Antoinette at the age of 14. Marie spends lots of money on clothing, and jewelry, but her country was living in increasing squalor because the American Revolution was being funded by the French. Marie, an Austrian Princess did not agree with the traditions of the French court and abandoned the ideas, this upset the nobility and common man.

Peasant style dress and hats happened when the queen moved to cottage for a country lifestyle in Petit Trianon, a house within the grounds of the palace. This style was adopted and spread through Marie Antoinette. At the close of the century the common man lead a revolt in France and over threw the monarch, beheading the royal family and leading the French revolution. At this revolution fashion moved in the direction of freedom.

The garments of the women’s fashion started underneath; next to the body was a chemise, with lace lined on the neckline. Sometimes the lace would show through at the neckline of the outer garments. Over the chemise were stays which were intended to be visible in the overall garment some wore a stomacher and paniers or wide hooped skirts like farthingales also worn with bustles or false rumps. These undergarments helped shape the silhouette. Petticoats were worn over the panniers. The outer garments consisted of gowns and two piece garments sometimes opened in the front to display the petticoat. The headdress of the 18th century consisted of hair combed back, and bunned or loose curls around the face, the hair was powdered. Extravagant hats and wigs were worn.

The fabrics and details were ornate and extravagant. Increase of trade with the Far East brought imports of eastern textiles including, silk brocades, and damasks, Indian chintz, calico, and muslin, and European copies of the fabrics were made into garments. Fabrics and textiles were fabricated from Velvets, silks, satins, cottons, flax or linens and wool. Fine needles were utilized to produce finer embroidery.

 
The modes in which fashion details were transported were through copying fashion dolls, and plates. In the center of Versailles these dolls were introduced to royalty to sell costume. The dolls would then be viewed by members of court and trickle down the class structure.

The French revolution marked the end of the grand century of class and social structure, the end of lavish lifestyle embarked by our hierarchy. Fashion moved closer in a direction of freedom from sumptuary laws and monarch control.


www.jolique.com

www.umich.edu/.../leisure/dress1.jpg

John Galliano Spring 2008 RTW

Runway review

  

John Galliano show reviewed the spring 2008 ready to wear line in Paris October 6, 2007. This designer went so far away from your typical fashion show. In his spring 2008 ready to wear show there was a story, with a whimsical, romantic fantasy feel. Reinterpretations from the 30’s classic Grey Gardens infused with the themes of candy Island, Andy Warhol, and holiday. The stage was lit with carousal; birds in cages, bright lights, sparkle, a bench, and picket fence.  The theme ran throughout the clothes and the entire production. Each model lit the stage, as she walked down the weathered wooden pier she played someone and something different;  a different character a different reminisce of life, an interpretation of the characters that the designer dreamt of and was inspired by. It was a performance not a typical runway show. The models animated life, feeling and character. The show was a happy celebration of fashion.

John Galliano’s spring line presentation was vibrant, elegant, bright colors, pinks, creams baby blues, yellows, feathers, embroidery, lace, ribbons, bows, bias cuts classic, pastilles’ short frilly skirts, big floppy hats ruffles, and polka dots. Textiles used were beautifully spun silks, satins, knits, jersey and of course cottons, light wools and linens. Styles emerged through, twenties baby-stars, short tiered dresses, picture hats, flounced jackets sexy forties suits, flouncy dresses, and cardigans galore. Galliano’s line was classic but exaggerated to its fullest. Galliano shows reinterpretations’ of his classic designs. The models has pin curls slicked hair, finger waves, glittered, jeweled eyes and lips Smokey eyes long 40s eyebrows, fake eyelashes, pouty lips, pink doll cheeks, and oversized bows. 

John has raised the bar speculators picked out all the trends. The market he targets has a real attitude. They are eccentric, artistic and full of life and education. Galliano keeps his audience captivated; he amazes fans every time creating a wonder… Can he pull this off again, and every season he succeeds.
 

Fashion week. 2008 spring Fashion Week Bryant Park

Fashion is moving into a new zeitgeist. There is this real sense of individuality from designers, it has become more personal to the designer than the fashion of our past. Self indulgent and silly. Fashion is social; Fashion is a telegraph to who we are and what we want to project to rest of the world. This idea was portrayed well in Fashion week. 2008. Spring fashion week united in Bryant Park September 5-12 to view all the latest styles and trends for spring lines of 2008. Dedicated individuals gather to see the public spectacle of fashion. American designers will be featured in this weeklong extravaganza. Celebrities and elite gather to find inspiration in what’s to come. Fashion week is where to be when you want to kick off fashion. Fashion comes together in an entertaining way.

A review of the designs of spring 2008 by its viewers are mixed. This season’s designs are flat, this season is innovative, the season is personal and fashion forward. There were lots of nostalgic formal dresses, some fit for the queen, bustier gowns…Dresses, dresses, dresses, mini dresses, micro dresses empire wrap dresses, fitted pants, pleated skirts Patterns, plain, solids, Lots of floral, and simple silhouettes. Trends were floral, baby doll, classic, medieval, and borrowed from her boyfriend.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMGsA model walks the runway at the Terexov Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Salon, Bryant Park on Sept. 7, 2008 in New York City.

Fashion week is conducted in Milan, Paris, London and New York. The Fashion week in New York represents American fashion. American fashion is defined as wearable and sensible. The colors are earthy and neutral. Designers are moving into an organic free trade world. Designer Peter Ingwersen, for Noir is designing into this movement. Doing his fair share for the movement, Peter is working with certified safe for the environment and economically viable for the manufactures. Seventy percent of his line will be made from these materials.

Marc Jacobs gives a new contemporary version of sexiness, with comfort and style.

Heatherette gives us color sparkle and glitter.

Look out for the spring of 08 trends. There will be many options to accessorize. The American designers whip up perfected basics with new innovative designs. There is plenty of room to be individual, be free and integrate the styles from shows from Milan and Paris. Have fun this spring will have the impact of the season. Styles are moving forward with the just right influence from our past.

Same Sex Family Rights

“Gay / Lesbian” rights have come a long way throughout history. Some of these rights include but are not limited to the following: making medical, legal or financial decisions for a partner. Same sex partners can own and share property, and even inherit property. And equal rights in the workplace prohibit discrimination. Nonetheless, same sex couples are not receiving equal rights to the fullest. Same sex families cannot legally join in holy matrimony, and only four states permit same sex couple adoption. Some states even ban same sex couple marriage and adoption.

Many of the states in America ban same sex marriage. The reasoning is that gay / lesbian marriage is “unconstitutional”. Some say homosexuality is not natural, because two of the same sex cannot reproduce children. However, is birth control, hair dye, or guns natural? Should elderly or infertile couples be banned from marriage as well, for that same reason? The first few countries to legalize same sex marriage were the Netherlands, and Belgium; Canada followed shortly after. These international events should influence U.S debates on the constitutional rights of our citizens. Constituting that there be no restrictions or defining language for marriage in our civil liberties. So far, Massachusetts is the only US state that grants the right for legal gay and lesbian marriages and (remain legal.) Connecticut is the second state in the United States to allow same-sex civil unions.

As Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer ruled, “State laws limiting marriage as an exclusive union between a man and a woman violated a constitutional right to equal treatment to citizens, including gays and lesbians… Traditional limit of marriage to a union between a man and a woman is not a sufficient rational basis to justify a ban on same-sex marriage,” Kramer wrote (1).

Some may argue that marriage is only for couples to raise children and that two parents of the same sex are not able to raise children, or that they will raise the children to be gay. But this is merely finger pointing because if these examples were true then heterosexual parents would only raise heterosexual children, single parents should be forbidden to raise children, and heterosexual couples that choose not to have children should not have a valid legal marriage. Gay / Lesbian single parent adoption is permitted but not for gay / lesbian couples. Some same sex couples that have children from artificial insemination are also experiencing violations on their equal rights. In these cases, the birth parent is recognized as the legal guardian. The other parent may not adopt the child. In these cases, the child is not eligible for insurance or social security if something happens to the “legal guardian.” As far as custody, the other parent is accepted as a stranger no matter how long the child has been raised with that parent.

Marriage is a legal net that protects couples’ emotional bonds and economic securities. Couples that are in love should be able to unite in legal matrimony regardless if they are man and women, man and man, or women and woman. Marriage communicates that a couple is in love and willing to take vows to honor and love each other. This union should not be denied to anyone. Nor should a child be denied a loving stable home. Many children are waiting to be adopted. It is unfair to deny these children, and parents, a happy family life. Especially when we have so many couples willing to take children of all ages into their homes, and provide them with a loving stable upbringing. These laws and restrictions are doing nothing but depriving children, couples, and families of being in loving and nurturing stable relationships and homes with the ones that they love and care for the most.

(1). http://www.keepmedia.com/pubs/AFP/2005/03/14/769821?extID=10026