Courtney Derr -- Assignment #1

It was very intriguing attending Professor Sue O'Donnell's exhibition. Upon walking around the room, starting at the entrance, I found that each specific work seemed to be able to relate with the other works. The whole performance is an unsolved puzzle ready to be connected, metaphorically speaking. Looking at each work of art is another piece of the puzzle accomplished.

The first work was located near the entrance of the room. It was a glass jar containing cut-out cloud looking pieces. Hanging on the wall next to it was a series of two "thought" maps. The first had pieces cut out of it, which explains the jar of thoughts. Where the thoughts had been removed, the writing was blurry. The other hanging work was very similar to other, however no pieces were removed from this work. It was a completed map of thoughts and ideas. The next work of art was rows of squares that made up one large square. On some squares appeared pictures of what seemed to be childhood family, friends and memories. The rest had writing that captured a certain feature or memory of the artist. Next to this work was a series of framed disheveled thoughts. The first relation I made was to a clothes line of thoughts, the clothes being crumpled). On the other half of the room appeared several pictures, each showing a glimpse of a whole picture, breaking it down so the details can be more easily studied. The main subject was a very young girl running in a grassy scene. After this was a work that science fanatics may have found somewhat clever. It was a scientific table by the looks of it, but rather than elements was life experiences and emotions. There were more connective thought maps after the table. Then I saw a circular path of the same components used in the periodic table, followed by a time-line connecting these elements.

This particular piece of art located at the bottom of this writing gave me a spark of reminiscence. Although the memories and photographs were not mine, I was able to relate to the idea the author may have been sending out. For example, one of the squares shared an aspect of the author-how they were always good at pretending. This made me feel similar to the artist. Not to sound cliché, personally this piece as a whole is very touching.

Assignment #1

1. For title put your name and assignment #1.

2. You need to write at least 3 paragraphs about the current exhibition at Haas Gallery by Professor Sue O’Donnell. The gallery hours are Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm. The show ends on September 11^th. You only have a couple days to get to the gallery!

A. The first paragraph should discuss the exhibition as a whole. Here are a few possible topics: Discuss the works in relationship to each other, example: how has the artist set up the show? Does one work influence the next one? Do they tell a narrative? How has the artist choose to display the works, framing? Is it a cohesive exhibition? What makes it work? What would make it work better?

B. The second paragraph should discuss the visual elements of 1 piece of your choice. Take a photo of it with your cell phone or camera and upload it to the blog, then write about it below the picture. Describe the image formally (what are the colors? What is the medium/technique(s) used? What types of shapes, patterns, etc are utilized in the work?). This is a pure formal description of the visual elements used in the work; do not discuss content or artists intention in this paragraph.

C. For your 3^rd paragraph I want you to interpret the meaning behind the particular work you have chosen and why. You are going to have to do some thinking on this one. One way to get some insight is to go to one of the artist’s lectures on Thursday September 10^th at either 11:15 or 1:15 (both are the same). She will discuss the work at this time. This would be helpful and interesting, but this is not necessary. You could also make your own interpretation of the work by simply looking at it and thinking about it, just make sure you explain your reasoning. Since art is often subjective, and part of how we interpret it depends on our own experience, there is no right or wrong answer as long as you give an explanation to your belief.

3. Remember to consider your grammar and spelling. There is a spell check function on the blog. Please use it before you publish your writing.

4. The assignment must be posted by September 18 at 11:59pm. Please do not wait until the last minute in case you have computer issues. I will not accept late writings.