Homework-- 9/25

We are starting SELF PORTRAITS. These will be worked on both inside and out of class. REMEMBER: Self portraits do NOT have to be figurative or even representational, they must simply be a piece that give an audience an insight or reflection into you. What is it you are trying to say about yourself? Traditional is fine, but you will be forced to break the surface minimally.

To this point in class we have discussed COLOR (relativity and formal aspects), GROUND, AUDIENCE, NARRATIVE and worked on constructing the FIGURE from life. I will be giving you a few articles to contextualize these concepts and skills for you.

For this next project we are discussing FRAME (and DECONSTRUCTION of FRAME), SURFACE,  and IDENTITY ("spark of life"). This is a complex and very loaded term that can mean many things to many people, so do not freak out if you do not have a solid grasp on exactly what this term means at this point. For our purposes we have been looking at what it is that makes up an image (constructive image building), so now we will be looking at what it is to slice those seams apart.

http://www.walkerart.org/channel/2013/artist-molly-zuckerman-hartung-discusses-her
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2008/11/20/tidying-up-art/ (funny!)

For homework this weekend you will have THREE things to do:

1. Read the following article and watch links. Be ready for a discussion on Monday. If I feel people are not prepared it is my prerogative to give a quiz that will affect your next project grade.

http://www.iep.utm.edu/deconst/
http://mcachicago.org/exhibitions/next/all/301 (watch video!)
http://beautifuldecay.com/2013/01/14/gabriel-pionkowskis-deconstructed-and-reconstructed-paintings/
http://beautifuldecay.com/2012/04/02/valerie-hegartys-deconstructed-paintings/
http://alexameade.com

2. Research "deconstruction" and "identity" (or "self portraiture" if this easier). I want you to find three examples deconstructing different elements: surface/ image/ identity/ narrative/ material, etc. These do not have to be painted or overtly figurative. We are ultimately looking for what a deconstructed self portrait COULD be and how this could be presented. Post these and explain 1) HOW these pieces are DECONSTRUCTED (not simply destroyed) formally 2) what the artist is attempting to say through this deconstruction and 3) how do you read this piece? is a key or legend necessary?

3. Bring in your self portrait projects to work on Monday! You will only have two days to work on them IN CLASS!

Parameters:
~You must have at least four 18"x 24" surfaces to work on (open choice, but be appropriate for acrylic paint), or size equivalent. Think outside the box!
~Must have at LEAST one figurative element done FROM LIFE (no digital translation)
~Must incorporate the use of your acrylic paint made in class. You are not limited to acrylic paint or pure 2-D work, however.

Be creative and purposeful with this project. How do you want to describe you? What is it you want to say? 

These are due Monday, Oct 7 at the beginning of class. If these require mounting or hardware for display you must supply this yourself and be ready to talk at the beginning of class. Remember Scott Anderson is teaching Painting III right before us in the studio, so be considerate and arrange with him if you need to be in there to hang your work. We can also travel around the building, but arrangements must be made with Ellen Peabody in the main office to hang any work in the building, even if for a few hours. There are pretty lights in the third floor hallway. Check it out.