1. Identify aspects of Durer's self portrait that show a changing view of the artist's view of himself as an individual
A change has taken place as the years progress. From the great Renaissance period where artists were commissioned to paint for others and now with the concept or movement of individualism introduced, artists would become the subjects of their own work. They would present their own style,more self-portraits painted, express their own feeling to their work. Implying the idea of individuality and uniqueness. In Durer's self-portrait, he has created a close resemblance to Jesus Christ. He has created a solid like pose, making him look as glorious as Jesus. He transfigured himself to being someone as popular and highly respected to many. Durer has also painted his right hand close to his brown fur coat, looks as if he is trying to keep it together, doesn't want to reveal what is underneath. Possibly a sign that he is a quiet, conservative person. And would show his true-self to only those he would know. The Brown fur coat he is wearing could also indicate wealth. This painting almost suggest's that he is Christ, or someone with a lot of power over others.I suppose showing egotism, and emphasizing himself as and individual a lot more.
2. Explain how the artist's social status increased during the Renaissance period. Briefly explain why this happened.
Albrecht Durer is known as one of the greatest artists or arguably th greatest artist of the Northern Renaissance. Durer's print work (woodcut e.t.c) established his reputation across the whole of Europe when he was still in his twenties.
His printings and engravings were very impressive, many admire the detail in his work and his imagination. Artists at that time such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Giovani Bellini were a big influence in his style. Although Durer had his own distinctive style, during his two visits to Italy, he had embraced the Venetian style. It was also his crucial visit to Italy that he'd become widely recognized by many as a 'great'. The style that he'd been taught , mostly by his father in Germany was sometimes incorporated into his work along with the italian influences. e.g engravings, woodcut prints with his imaginative drawing skill. He climbed the social ladder very fast as he made a switch back into painting when he visited Italy the second time. With his passion for studying human proportion and anatomy, he painted his most celebrated works which include , Adam and Eve ( 1507) and The Martydom of the Ten-Thousand (1508).
Albrecht Durer fascinated a lot of people during his era, therefore his popularity and climb up the social ladder, shot up fast, making him known to all. He had a good reputation, gained only from pure hard work and talent.
Albrecht Durer is known as one of the greatest artists or arguably th greatest artist of the Northern Renaissance. Durer's print work (woodcut e.t.c) established his reputation across the whole of Europe when he was still in his twenties.
His printings and engravings were very impressive, many admire the detail in his work and his imagination. Artists at that time such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Giovani Bellini were a big influence in his style. Although Durer had his own distinctive style, during his two visits to Italy, he had embraced the Venetian style. It was also his crucial visit to Italy that he'd become widely recognized by many as a 'great'. The style that he'd been taught , mostly by his father in Germany was sometimes incorporated into his work along with the italian influences. e.g engravings, woodcut prints with his imaginative drawing skill. He climbed the social ladder very fast as he made a switch back into painting when he visited Italy the second time. With his passion for studying human proportion and anatomy, he painted his most celebrated works which include , Adam and Eve ( 1507) and The Martydom of the Ten-Thousand (1508).
Albrecht Durer fascinated a lot of people during his era, therefore his popularity and climb up the social ladder, shot up fast, making him known to all. He had a good reputation, gained only from pure hard work and talent.
3. Comment on Gavin Turk's work in relation to individualism, status of the artist and egotism.
Gavin Turk has displayed only his full name in his work, "Knob" (1997). Which is enough to support individualism. He has simply written out his name, suggesting that his social status is high and respected, therefore he needs not to exaggerate more on what he has already produced in this work but write his name with a little variation of colour. It is related to egotism also, because he has emphasised on his own name..and only his name, whereas the when an audience view this, they would be surprised, but also impressed, because of the confidence of the artist to only produce his name in the work and nothing visually outstanding.
4. Comment on Damien Hirst's use of his work and the media for self promotion.
Damien Hirst has totally put himself into this work, and he has also included a loved one, his partner, Maia Norman, also fashion designer and band manager. He has shown his individuality by including himslef and his partner in the photo, but also showing off his design of coloured dots on white in the background through his wife's clothing. He has used the opportunity to avertise his work through his popular wife and himself as a well known artist.
5. Find 2 images of work by artists or designers that reflects some of the ideas of individualism, self promotion or egotism that have been discussed on this blog. Upload images to your blog, title and date the work, identify the artist/designer and comment on the work in relation to the question.
Damien Hirst-'X Supreme Skateboard Decks ( 2009) 30 march
In this work Damien Hirst has once again shown himself off with the use of one of his painting technique's, 'colour spinning' or splatting. He has also decided to use skateboards, which relate to a younger audience, teenangers I suppose, and has extended his variety of audiences by doing so. He shows egotism by using skateboards as the platform of his multi-coloured work , which is not relevant to him as an artist because it's something a more athletic person would use, making it look like he is a skateboarder', possibly showing that he emphasized on a dream of his.
He has shown his individualism in this work by including one of his well-known styles of painting, and has used the skateboards to advertise his work not only to older crowds but the younger generation, who would appreciate this work.
Albrecht Durer - Self Portrait 1498, age 26
In this painting, Albrecht Durer has made himself the main subject, an individual. Although the landscape in the background portrays the idea of open space or freedom, no limits to his aspirations, It doesn't take the focus of the audience away from the individual. He has given himself a light shade of clothing in the front and the dark brown fabric in the back half of his body. His clothing looks of wealthy materials, conveying the idea of wealth. The painting is all about him, he has made sure that we see it that way,his use of colours, tone, detail has portrayed his image as the only one there. He has displayed his social status through this painting, looking as if he had already built up a good reputation at the time. Durer has displayed individualism as the main concept behind his painting.
6. How do you think artists and designers are viewed in Western society today?
I believe artists are sometimes still viewed the same way as they were during the Renaissance era. Audiences are more focused on the visual side of the art, but not the meaning. The social status of an artist is crucial to others because of their high expectations. Artists are influenced by other artists, Designers are faced with the challenge of gaining a high reputation because of the many competitive industries. Therefore only a slight change of view in the modern society, which is the viewing of the artist work is more open and available to public via galleries, giving people more time to examine the work and figure out the meaning behind its visual beauty, Designers are able to advrtise their work through many sources, but most popular would be models.
I think artists and designers are viewed as the pioneers of the new trend in everything.
The trendsetters, they raise the bar.
7. Comment on the blogs of other students.
8. Reference the websites and/or books you have used, at the end of your blog
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damien_Hirst
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer
http://www.stompandflow.com/2009/08/12/damien-hirst-skateboardhttp
://www.oneonta.edu/faculty/farberas/arth/arth200/artist/durer_intro.html
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