Abstract Art - Sullivan

"Zambezi", Frank Stella. 1959, enamel on canvas.

1) How would you describe the image/ object being presented? What movement/ aesthetic is this work (or artist) most  closely associated with? What/when/where is (was) this movement in a nut-shell?

This image is a series of white inward-pointing V shapes on a black background. The artist, Frank Stella, is associated with minimalism and post-painterly abstraction. This piece is minimalist; minimalism originated in America following World War II, and focuses on simplistic, spare design featuring repetition.

2) What are the tools/ materials being used? Are these the most effective use of these items? Is this piece strongly built/ composed FORMALLY?

This painting is enamel on canvas--the canvas provides the thin stripes of white. I think this was an excellent use of the materials, and I think the composition is effective as well--the lines draw the eye to the center.

3) What is your response to this piece? Is it narrative/ non-narrative--EXPLAIN!!

My response to this piece is narrative, but that's because this is not the first time I've seen it. This painting is (or was) on display at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. I went there on a class trip in high school, so when I look at this piece, I remember that field trip. I particularly remember a photograph I took of my sister in front of this piece. She was leaning in to inspect the painting more closely, and in that photograph, she became part of the piece. 

This is the photograph.

4) Is there an artist's statement/ explanation for the work? Do you agree with/ understand the artist's intent? Was this your original read?

I did not find an artist's statement or explanation.

5) What constructive criticism could you give to improve/ strengthen the piece?

I would not give any. I would certainly not make this myself, but that is because I'm not interested in this particular movement.

Mark Rothko. (Could not find title, year, materials.)

1) How would you describe the image/ object being presented? What movement/ aesthetic is this work (or artist) most  closely associated with? What/when/where is (was) this movement in a nut-shell?

This image is a series of black rectangles of varying sizes, with subtle gray borders. There is a white rectangle at the very top.

The artist, Mark Rothko, is associated with color field painting--arguably, he is the best-known artist in the movement. Color field painting was a subset of abstract expressionist painting; it began in the 1950s and continued into the 60s. Its artists were focused on the use of color and color only to convey feelings.

2) What are the tools/ materials being used? Are these the most effective use of these items? Is this piece strongly built/ composed FORMALLY?

I wasn't able to find information about the materials Rothko used for this particular piece--I assume some kind of paint, probably oil paint, and canvas. I think his use of materials and composition were effective.

3) What is your response to this piece? Is it narrative/ non-narrative--EXPLAIN!!

My response to this piece is to try to guess what emotions Rothko wanted it to evoke. The dark values and lack of color make me think that he wanted to convey depression or grief. This response is completely non-narrative; this image doesn't make me come up with any kind of story.

4) Is there an artist's statement/ explanation for the work? Do you agree with/ understand the artist's intent? Was this your original read?

I was not able to find any sort of artist's statement of explanation.

5) What constructive criticism could you give to improve/ strengthen the piece?

Color field painting is really not my thing, so I think most of the criticisms I might offer are a matter of personal taste. However, I would like to see a wider range of values, more different greys, etc. 

Robert Delaunay, oil on canvas, 1912.

1) How would you describe the image/ object being presented? What movement/ aesthetic is this work (or artist) most  closely associated with? What/when/where is (was) this movement in a nut-shell?

This image consists of overlapping, colorful circles and semicircles. Delaunay is most closely associated with Orphism, an short-lived art movement that took place from around 1912 to 1914. Orphism sought to convey meaning through pure form and color. It was focused on sensation and its meanings, rather than representing real-world objects.

2) What are the tools/ materials being used? Are these the most effective use of these items? Is this piece strongly built/ composed FORMALLY?

Apparently this is oil on canvas, but it has a somewhat watercolor-like look in some places, which I think is cool. I think the color choices are excellent and the composition is strong.

3) What is your response to this piece? Is it narrative/ non-narrative--EXPLAIN!!

This is pure abstraction--I cannot find any recognizable forms in this image, or even something that suggests a real object, so it's very hard for me to impose narrative on it. Instead, I find myself thinking about the feelings that the colors evoke.

4) Is there an artist's statement/ explanation for the work? Do you agree with/ understand the artist's intent? Was this your original read?

I wasn't able to find one.

5) What constructive criticism could you give to improve/ strengthen the piece?

If it were my painting, I would alter the placement of lights and darks a little bit for a better balance. On the whole, though, I don't think it needs to be changed.