Landscape and Sublime

1. What and when was the Enlightenment

The Age of Enlightenment (or just the Enlightenment) was also known as the Age of Reason

It had emerged in the 18th century from all across Europe. Before the set of ideas which Enlighenment was formed out of, were known amongst the people, The world was seen with fear and superstition. The Enlightment, which is more of a set of ideas rather than values, had given the idea to people to explore the world with reason. They believed that human reason could combat ignorance, superstition, and tyranny, and that they could build a better world. Their principle targets were religion and the domination of society by a hereditiary aristocracy.

People who were influenced by the Enlightenment would analyse the depth of society rules and the government law,therefore by doing so, also rejecting religion church authority and others.

2. Define the concept of the Sublime.

The concept of the Sublime is quite similar to the enlightenment and humanism. Focusing on human beings and their own thoughts.

The Sublime is the quality of greatness in many ways, that is beyond calculation, measurement or imitation. Human thoughts or beliefs that exceed human capabilities, mystical,or fantasy. It could also be ones belief of themselves as a superhuman, more to themselves than what others perceive of them. The sublime also means "uplifted" or "high in place". It emerged in the 18th century.

3. How did the concept of the Sublime come out of the Enlightenment thought?

The sublime concept was one of the set of ideas that came out of the Enlightenment. In the age of the Enlightment, people accepted the new ideas that had come forth, but before the Enlightenment was introduced, people were close minded, with limited thinking would only see the ideas of the church and government leaders. The Sublime concept was clear to people as they became openmided and accepted the new ideas that arose, such as life after death, if there was a heaven or hell, that science couldn't answer everything. So they believed it was normal to see themselves as something or someone of great capablitiy because there was no fear or superstition that was a barrier in their decision to do so.

4. Discuss the subject matter, and aesthetic (look) of Misrach's work to identify the Sublime in his work. Add some more images of his work.

Misrach is known for his beautiful photography work on lanscapes.In his work we see an isolation of a very small number of people e.g 2 or maybe 1, in a large stretch of beautiful land.It's almost like he attempts to make us feel relaxed with our focus mainly on the landscape, but also the peace that we feel when there is not a lot going on in the work. Although the people are there, it doesn't take away the beauty and serenity. He makes everything work. Misrach makes us appreciate the uniqueness of nature, and how it doesn't need to be altered for it to be beautiful, which supports the concept of the Sublime.The use of people in an almost unlimited stretch of land could possibly support the sublime concept aswell. He has managed to incorporate the sublime concept in most of his work. Emphasizing the theme of nature.

- Swimmers Pyramid Lake, Indian Reservation, Nevada 1987-1983

Richard Misrach

Pyramid Lake,(1991) Richard Misrach

5. Identify some other artists or designers that work with ideas around the Sublime, from the Enlightenment era as well as contemporary artists.

ENLIGHTENMENT ERA:

Moonrise over the sea (1822)

Caspar David Friedrich

A Bridge near mont Grimsel (n.d)

William Pars (1742-1782)

CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS

Salvador Dali - Persistance of Memory (1931)

Salvador Dali has used the Sublime concept in most of his paintings, his dream-like, fantasy, mystical style of painting supports the sublime concept, and present in this painting, he has made the clocks in there floppy, and out of place. Therefore keeping to his style of work, and also going along with the sublime.

Jimmy Hendrix (1970)

Abdul Mati klarwein

This painting emphasises on human and landscape combined. Placing the head of legendary guitarist Jimmy Hendrix amongst a bundle of long grass, also exaggerating on the length of his hair and colour. The background with what seems to be horseriders wielding swords creates a story.Klarwein has stuck to the sublime and humanism theme in most of his work, always making human beings his subjects.

6. How does Misrach's photography make you feel? Does it appeal to your imagination?

When I first took a glimpse of Misrach's work it didnt really get to me until I took my time examining it. I feel very relaxed looking at the majority of his work, because they're done in peaceful environments. His use of the landscapes and angles capture the natural beauty, creating a scene that Ill never forget.

It appeals to me that he had used people in some of his work, which could sometimes be a risk in terms of affecting how people percieve it, for e.g, Most of the damage that is inflicted upon large scales of land is from man-made machinery (cars,buildings etc) all producing Co2. Therefore negative views towards his work is a possibility, But, not the way I see it. I think his use of the sublime concept, including people to his work has made his photography work a beautiful combination.


Aurora (2000) unknown

REFERENCES:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment

http://www.edelmangallery.com/misrach.htm

http://www.mocp.org/collections/permanent/misrach_richard.php

http://www.viewgoodsimages.com/books/moonrise-over-the-sea.html

http://www.1st-art-gallery.com/William-Pars/Bridge-Near-Mount-Grimsel-1770.html

http://www.imageof.net/wallpaper/The-Persistence-of-Memory-Salvador-Dali/

http://leohartshorn.blogspot.com/2010/08/abdul-mati-klarwein-visionary.html