Therapeutic Reflection

 

If you had to create a piece of internet art, what would it be?

What purpose would it serve?

I am currently studying in the field of art therapy, so when asked to create an idea for an internet art piece, naturally I wanted to figure out a way to combine the two. Every year the advances in technology continue to grow at a rapid pace, therefore it’s no surprise that people are doing more and more things without ever leaving their homes. Which could only make a person like me wonder… how many people out there feel they may need some therapeutic help, but are to scared or ashamed to take the initiative?, and if they had an opportunity to explore this on their own, possibly even from the comfort of their own homes… would it potentially encourage these individuals to seek the help or guidance they are searching for? Perhaps just the opportunity to reflect on one’s self in a structured way would give an individual what they need, without having to seek the help of a therapist if those resources are not available.

As my internet art piece I have decided to create a tool that would allow people to explore the benefits of art therapy right from their computers. I call it “Therapeutic Reflection.” Prior to discussing to the concept of Therapeutic Reflection, first I’ll explain a little bit about art therapy. Art therapy is a mental health profession that allows people to use their creative process of art making to aid in helping them enhance or improve one’s mental, physical, and emotional well being. Artistic self-expression can help an individual manage behavior, relieve stress, resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, increase self-esteem, cope with symptoms and/or traumatic experiences, and even enhance cognitive abilities. All of these things can be achieved through the process of creating art, and then reflecting on the art process and products.

Art therapy helps people to explore therapeutically in a safe, structured environment through using art materials, and allows artistic exploration in a non-threatening way. It can help to explore difficult topics and emotions, while using art as a coping strategy, and aid in teaching coping methods. During the art making process it is easier for someone to access parts of their brain and memory that talking cannot access. Art making is also very relaxing, and can be a very soothing experience for the mind and body, providing individuals with time to decompress. As someone interested in both art and psychology I believe that the creative process of art making can be life-enhancing, therapeutic and healing. Art making is a chance for someone to express themselves not only artistically but impulsively, imaginatively, and can provide the artist with a language that they understand. People are given a chance to express themselves on so many levels, consciously and unconsciously, while not ever having to even speak a single word.

Therapeutic Reflection is geared to be a program that will allow individuals to create collage, as a chance to explore their emotions. Collage is a form of visual art, and is created by gathering many different images, and then assembling these images into one, collective piece of art. The program will provide the user with thousands of diverse images such as, people, animals, landscapes, different color swatches, letters, words, logos, and so much more. It will also provide a function to upload images or photos of their own they may wish to include. All of the images will be separated by category for easy choosing. Once the images are selected they will be placed into what will be known as the “reflection bucket.” The user will then be able to access the images in the reflection bucket and choose as many as they desire to be included into their collage. The images that are chosen can be simply placed into the collage space by a simple click, drag, and drop of the mouse.

If the person is unsure of what images to choose or which direction to take their art work, there will be a tool to help this as well. This tool will be found as a “directives” button. Once the directive button is clicked a list of collage suggestions will appear to give the user some topics and suggestions to get started. Some of these suggestions will be, but are not limited to, create your future, depict your current situation, depict a sad/happy time, create your safe place, create a self portrait, and depict your good/bad qualities. Once the collage is complete the user will have the opportunity to save their image in their very own personal collage album, and even name it if they wish to do so.

After the completion of their final artwork the user will also have the ability to engage in a series of “reflection questions.” These questions will allow the person to take a minute and think about the piece they have created, while also giving them the chance to reflect on their work. It will include questions such as, how did you feel before making this collage, during the process of making the collage, how did you feel after making the collage, are their particular people, or symbols depicted in your collage, if yes what do they mean to you, do you enjoy your piece, did you enjoy the process, and perhaps pick 5-10 images and reflect on why you think they were chosen. Of course the reflection process would not be as clinical as it would be if it were done under the presence of a professional art therapist, but it will still allow the individual to step back and think about what the finished product means to them, and even possibly shed some light on whatever situations they may be facing.

I am in complete agreement with renowned art therapist Cathy Malchiodi when she states, “Art has the potential to transform lives and often in profound ways, when words are not enough, we turn to images and symbols to tell out stories. And in telling our stories through art, we can find a path to healing, recovery, and transformation.” Using art as a way of symbolic expression helps people to express themselves in a way that may not seem so overwhelming. It teaches people to use materials with a purpose and to communicate their pain with the world. Art therapy is an exceptional means of gaining access to a person’s hidden feelings and emotions that can contain the answers to their struggles. Most patients who have complete freedom and choices in their work will convey a great deal about themselves. The art making process is a great tool and can be used as a gateway to the subconscious.

Modernism vs. Postmodernism / “High” vs. “Low” Art

 

Modernism and Postmodernism / “High” and “Low” Art

  Art movements have always naturally, involved an element of controversy. The purpose of art is to evoke some sort of emotion; therefore it is inevitable that controversy would arise along with different movements. Modernism and postmodernism cover artists’ styles dating back to the 1930’s, and up until the present. The artists that were involved in these movements all have very diverse thinking, use of presentation, and differences in how they create a piece of artwork. Both modernism and postmodernism artists work consist of both “high” and “low” pieces of art.

            Modernism was an art period that consisted of minimalism and conceptualism. It was an emphasis on fragmented forms, and random collages, images, and the use of different materials. Modernism contained an importance of impressionism and subjectivity, and also rejected “high” and “low” art by the way materials were used, and how the work was displayed. The artists of the modernist movement were rejecting previous renaissance- based traditions and began to favor new forms of artistic expression.

            Postmodernism began in the late twentieth century, and began to oppose the modernist concentration on form and technique. The goal of postmodernism was more focused on getting rid of the divisions between popular culture, art, and media. Post modern art was more concerned with realism, and the artists were more concerned with expressing their thoughts and desires. Two common examples of movements that are associated with postmodernism are minimalism and conceptualism. Postmodernism challenged the idea of fine art, and promoted drastic change, while trying to break free from the design of modernism.

            Both modernism and postmodernism reject the boundaries between “high” and “low” art forms. “High” art or fine art is that of universal transcendence. It represents the epitome of artistic achievement, and has withstood the test of time. “High” art not only looks at art with fresh eyes, but it challenges the viewers thinking, causing the viewer to stop and look. It holds a lasting impact, and changes the idea of what art can be. “Low” art on the other hand, doesn’t challenge ones thinking, but instead is easier to comprehend. It is known more as mass culture, and seen as somewhat an advertisement of the artist’s ego. It is simply done because it craves attention, and looks to shock the viewer, whereas “high” art is seem more as a gift to humankind.  

            Modernism is exemplified perfectly in the use of font. In the movie, Helvetica it shows how a simple typeface can greatly affect people, and how they view things. The movie was based on typography, and global visual culture. Helvetica is used commonly in the world of design and advertising.  It was created with the intent to be written clearly, without distraction, and easy to read, while still being able to grab the attention of its viewers. This would fall under the category of “low” art. A fine example of postmodernism is “Fountain” by Marcel Duchamp. This became of piece of “high” art, due to its ability to challenge the viewer to think about the piece. He took an ordinary object and turned it into a piece of artwork.

            It can be very difficult sometimes to distinguish between modernism and postmodernism, as well as “high” and “low” art. Over the years the definitions and differences have become somewhat blurred, but many have definite opinions regarding the matter. Sometimes distinguishing the difference really comes down to a matter of opinion. “High” and “low” art can be seen in both modernism and postmodernism, and all contain very similar concepts. I guess the statement holds true; art is truly in the eyes of the beholder.

The Value of Art….What Determines What Makes Art Valuable?

The Value of Art…. What determines what makes art valuable?

 

            When discussing art there is always the debate about what makes art so valuable. Does art become valuable simply because it is something that is rare or cannot be reproduced? Is it valued because of the artist’s name that is attached to it? Or, is the value of the piece simply in the eyes of the beholder? In our world today artwork is easily available to all people, and technology has made this easier than ever before. Technologies such as printmaking, lithography, photography, and film have made it possible for art work to be mechanically reproduced and available to almost anyone in the world. Does the fact that artwork can be so readily reproduced take away from the value of the piece? If a piece is rare or limited does it actually mean that it is better or it holds more value? Is it the rarity of a piece of art, or is it the actual beauty or evoked emotions that give art its value?

            In the past the reproduction of artwork decreased its value, and only if it was a rarity did it continue to hold its value. When art was produced so long ago it was made with a particular purpose, for a significant reason, and done only in one location; where it was meant to stay forever. The simple fact that people, in order to view such works of art, had to leave their homes and go to the locations to see it made them so valuable. Even though replicas and fakes have surely been produced, only the actual original work held any value. “Even the most prefect reproduction of a work of art is lacking in one element: its presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be.” (Benjamin) Therefore nothing is as valuable as the original piece of art, in its time and place, where it was meant to be.

            Much has changed about how art is valued now, oppose to how it was valued so many years ago. Art in the middle ages was mostly dominated by religion. Artists were commissioned by the wealthy and their subject matter was chosen for them. Along with the rise of technology came the rise of being able to reproduce art. Many artists broke these views on reproduction, and took advantage of this new process. Due to artists such as Andy Warhol and Marcel Duchamp art soon started to become valued in partial because of the ease of reproduction.

            Andy Warhol was an artist who believed that art was affected by culture, and that anything can be considered art. He was a main figure in the visual art movement, and is most commonly known for his pop art. The main focus of his work was everyday items, and American icon’s and symbols. Warhol created his famous images by using paint, lithography, printmaking, and silk-screening. Some examples of his works would be his images of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Campbell’s soup cans, and Coca Cola bottles. He was an artist that would take common things that would not be considered art, and turn them into something valuable. Not only did Warhol reproduce his art by using these particular mediums, but a lot of the time he hired assistants that would reproduce his images for him. Did the fact that his images were being mass produced by not only him, but other people as well, change its value? Or, Did Warhol prove that the symbolism and meaning of his work held more value, rather than how it was produced?

            Marcel Duchamp is another artist of his time that challenged conventional thought, and gave insight as to how it was valued. He was a French artist that was a part of the surrealist movement. Some of his works that gave value to everyday items were pieces such as “In Advance of a broken Arm,” and “Fountain.” His piece “In Advance of a broken Arm” depicted a snow shovel, and “Fountain” was simply a urinal. He would choose an object and supply it with another function. Despite the fact that Duchamp used the most common everyday items in his artwork it was still considered valuable.

            Warhol and Duchamp can be criticized for their subject matter, and production, but have proven that their work holds value in their themes and their impacts on society. While they both have their own unique styles, and expression, they continue to show us how value should not be placed on the process alone. The authenticity of artwork is not what determines its value, but rather the quality of the work. An artist creates a piece of art to convey a message, an idea, to evoke some type of emotion in its viewers. With the ability to so easily reproduce artwork they are able to spread their work and make it more accessible. The value of a piece can longer be placed under the same standards as they were in the past. With the use of photography, film, and so many other medias that make it simple and effective to reproduce, value can no longer be placed on solely the original piece. Reproductions allow artwork to be seen and enjoyed from almost anywhere, and can reach people all around the world. Mass produced artwork not only has the ability to make an impact on its viewers, but it gives them the opportunity to enjoy the artwork in their own way.  The rise of these new technologies over the years have allowed for great advancements in the arts. Where once value was placed on limited availability and the ease of reproduction, value of art is now based on reproduction in a positive way. Value of art also evolved as much more than just reproduction, but the originality, the subject, emotions, and impact, all hold value in the artwork as well.

Printing Press vs Internet… Which had a greater impact on society?

Dana Moscioni

Art85- Assignment 2

Printing Press vs. Internet… Which had a greater impact on society?

 

            The invention of the printing press and the internet both greatly effected society in many positive ways in their time. These two inventions impacted the world historically, educationally, and greatly changed communication as a whole. Although the printing press began the change of the written document, the internet completely changed the way of communication. With both the internet and the printing press greatly revolutionizing the world, I would have to argue that the internet had and still does have the greater impact on society as compared to the printing press.

            The printing press was invented in 1440 in Germany, by Johannes Gutenberg. It was a machine that had the ability to transfer documents with different kinds of inked paper. It allowed books, newspapers, and other documents to be mass-produced and distributed. Before the printing press all books were handwritten, and took massive time and effort to produce. As a result these documents were very expensive and unaffordable for most people. This made it not only hard for people to obtain this information but harder to educate as well. The printing press allowed books to be produced more quickly, and with less effort, therefore making them much more affordable, and allowed much more people the ability to access these materials. During these times a high percentage of people were illiterate, with exception of most wealthy people. The printing press helped the average common people gain the tools to learn as well. Written information became much more dependable, available, and was also able to be published in different languages.

            Even though the printing press had a huge impact on society in its time, in the way of spreading information and communication, the internet greatly exceeded this. The internet allowed for the spread of information to be done at top speed, for a multitude of people at any one given time. Similar to the printing press the internet was also invented as a means of faster communication, yet its effects were much more powerful, and efficient. The internet surpassed the printing press in speed alone. Not only is it easier to spread mass information around the world, but it can do this at a speed that is almost instant. Even though the printing press allowed access to books and information more quickly, and widespread for its time, the internet allowed this at a much faster rate, and also much more global. Internet makes it possible to share information throughout the entire world in a matter of seconds. Not only does the internet make information more readily available to so many, but it allows this from the privacy of your own home.  You can write someone a letter via e-mail, even if they are across the world, and it’s much more time efficient then using postal mail. You can communicate and socialize with people all over the world using web chats, and even video chat to stay in touch with people while also visually seeing them. Access to information is also endless when using the internet. Using search engines make it possible for people to find information on anything imaginable within seconds. With the use of tools like blogs and twitter, a person can share their thoughts and ideas to the world in an instant. With the help of the internet an individual can shop online, bank online, and even work from almost anywhere. It can really benefit as a money saver in a lot of ways also. You can shop several stores at once, compare prices, control your bank accounts, and so much more with just one click of a button. This saves you gas, travel time, and it all can all be done from almost any location.

The printing press and the internet both greatly furthered communication, and allowed for advanced means of documentation. I feel that society as a whole was more influenced by the internet because not only has it made a significant impact, but it still continues to everyday. The internet has something for everyone and truly allows people to stay connected in such an easy way that it almost makes the world seem so small.  With the use of the printing press publishing was limited to a fraction of the population, but with internet a person has access to a global platform, and at no cost. Although the printing press made huge advances for its time, the internet as blew it away. Endless information, communication platforms, high-speed, and so much more has enabled the internet to impact every aspect of people’s lives. The effects that the internet has and will have on society is ever-changing, evolving, and seems to be endless.

Book of Kells…Art or Design?

Dana Moscioni

Art85 – assignment 1

The Book of Kells… Is it art or design?

 

The Book of Kells is a famous Celtic Irish manuscript that contains the four gospels of Christianity written in Latin. It is extremely well known for its illuminated images, interlaced shapes, abstract paintings, and attention to detail, especially for its time. It was produced by a group of monks in Ireland, in hopes to spread the word of Christianity, and to encourage people to convert to the Christian religion. In today’s society do we consider the Book of Kells to be art or design? Art is anything that evokes an emotional response, while design is something that serves a purpose. Keeping this in mind and reading Kant and Hume’s theories on art and design, I feel that the Book of Kells is both art and design.

The monks created the Book of Kells on the basis of design. They had a concept about how they wanted to go about making this book, and what they wanted to convey to the people, therefore this concept is in fact design. Kant believes that design and concepts come from a person’s sensations and ultimately how they view the world around them. At the time when the Book of Kells was made paganism was wide-spread. The monks took notice to this going on in the world around them and developed a design for the book that would appeal to this population as well, in hopes of converting them to Christianity. The Book of Kells was also designed to communicate with people who were illiterate, and could only use the pictures to determine the meaning of the gospels. This is why there are many images of angels, monsters, and abstract people and designs. Hume talks about how a piece of artwork can be created but the only way it can be created is if design comes along. The monks created this book with specific goals in mind. They resembled pagan art with the dragons and monsters in hopes to draw them into the readings and encourage them to convert.

Although the Book of Kells clearly started as design, it later became art as well. Kant believes that without art an object is just an object, but with art the object comes alive. “Much of his discussion of beauty focuses on an example of natural beauty (“this rose is beautiful”). “The universality and necessity of pure judgments of taste holds for natural beauty as well as art.” (Kant on Fine Arts) He feels that nature and beauty go hand in hand. “Yet rather than communicate according to established conventions, genius involves originality in which “nature gives the rule to art.” (Kant on Fine Art) According to Hume, “Five factors must come together: “Strong sense, united to delicate sentiment, improved by practice, perfected by comparison, and cleared of all prejudice.” When considering Hume’s five factors the Book of Kells proves this to be true because it is purely original and truly one of a kind in history. It shows its art form with the use of its colors, attention to detail, and how beautifully the design is brought to life. “Analogously, art expresses aesthetic ideas through language, visual arrangement, and variation of sensations…With fine art, that purpose is the communication of ideas. This purpose introduces a social dimension that is absent from mere entertainment.” (Kant on Fine Art) The Book of Kells clearly states catholic beliefs and ideas not only with words but with visuals, and succeeded in communicating with not only different religions but the illiterate community as well. They made it purposefully to draw people in, and for everyone to easily understand.

When considering both art and design, Hume and Kant seem to have very similar ideas. They both agree that a person’s senses are involved and somewhat unique to interpretation for each individual. In my opinion I would have to say that the Book of Kells is both art and design. I feel that in its time it can be more considered to be a form of design. The book uses different concepts and clearly had a specific purpose. “Yet rather than communicate according to established conventions, genius involves originality in which “nature gives the rule to art.” In section 49, Kant elaborates that soul or spirit (Geist) is a question of content, not form. Spirit is present when a work prompts the viewer’s imagination over time.”(Kant on Fine Art)  The Book of Kells is definitely a work of art that has the ability to get anyone’s imagination going, and clearly communicates something to the viewer. When the book began to lose significance for the purpose of educating and getting people to convert to Christianity it began to take on its own form, as a piece of art. Kant’s theory is more based on the art and where beauty lies when Hume believes that art is design because it has a purpose. I feel that this book is not only a work of beauty, but it holds a purpose as well. Immanuel Kant thinks beauty comes within “art” but is also followed by form of design, which is the purpose. Therefore I believe that art and design go hand in hand, and that the Book of Kells is undeniably both art and design.