ARTH3101/5101 Critical Issues (Fall 2023)

Haley, Bentley Graffiti can be unpredictable which can make the art more appealing when you come a crossed it. With this there is a big pull between the artists and the government when it comes to graffiti in the public’s eye. Where the artists sees it as art and the government sees it as vandalism. Graffiti has become a big staple in the urban areas and have come to make a big development around the world. Most of the time when you see graffiti the artist is trying to dress up as part of the city that might be dull and wants to give it a new shine that was not there before. Most of the time we see graffiti on empty concrete spaces of buildings, in bright, bold colors and strong words are written. Big named graffiti artists are like Banksy and Shepard Fairey, these artists are the ones who started out painting across the world and ending their art eventually landing them in Galleries and Museums. But there has been a growing debate whether graffiti art should be considered to be seen a...

  Living in the digital age has augmented the capacity for our growth and understanding of the world around us. The Internet creates a space where not only incalculable amounts of data are stored and accessible to any viewer, but also a space where we can express ourselves and our reactions to said data. Art is no different; in its forms visual, audial or performative, our methods of recording and saving these works has advanced in spades as technology has developed. No doubt one can easily Google the Mona Lisa, or watch a recording of their favorite play, or listen to their favorite music on repeat. But, although the digital sphere is the most accessible means of encountering art, is it always the best means? In this issue study, we will take a look at how social media, Instagram in particular, has cemented its role in the current dialogue of our cultural experience, and how museums utilize (or are confronted by) its social power.  Take your Shot: Social Media as Engagement A...

 Sexuality and Art Sexuality in art               For my issue study I wanted to really do something that was different and something that has popped up quite a lot and changed throughout history. Something that everyone can relate to on one level or another and have probably seen its effects on the world in one way or another, that being sexuality and its influence in and around art. We start to really see examples of sexuality and the human body around the time of ancient Greece and into the renaissance. Michelangelo’s “David” for example was carved completely nude and throughout the years it was covered up because people saw its nudity as something shameful and something to be hidden. (also doesn’t help that Davids like 17ft tall) This is something that we continue to see throughout the years being explored, as many of the greatest examples of sculpture are indeed nude. There's something captivating and primal ab...

Negative Criticism In “Negative Criticism,” Sean Tatol shares his reasons as to why the days of true art criticism are over: Contemporary critics do not understand the underlying purpose of criticism, and they also have a fear of saying the “wrong” thing . Tatol appropriately begins the article stating his credentials and background. He is an art critic who publishes primarily on his own website, the Manhattan Art Review . While Tatol’s vocabulary alone clearly indicates a background in writing and the arts, verifying his success gives more reason for the reader to hear out his opinions. “Kritic’s Korner” is a section within the Manhattan Art Review that relies on a 1-5 star rating system for his reviews. Tatol goes on to explain that “Kritic’s Korner” was originally an afterthought feature: a simple way to give impromptu reviews that get straight to the point, as his star ratings are accompanied by a paragraph at most. Tatol shares: “I quickly realized that my habits were more suited...