Abstract This paper discusses the Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museums of Art, describing and contrasting the two museums in the context of bringing art, culture and architecture to the public. Modern thought regarding museum architecture is also discussed. It also discusses the history of artmuseums in the past century. It examines the level of interaction between the art admirer and the art itself in several museums and accordingly judges their success.
From the Paper "Art museums have been through multiple metamorphoses in the last 100-plus years, from ornate Victorian cathedrals stuffed with artifacts, to flexible modernist boxes and vast salvaged industrial buildings. A museum building is often thought of as monumental sculpture, and is itself potentially the most important work in an institution's collection. How paintings and sculpture actually fit into it is, typically somewhat controversial. Museum founders realize that the public can best appreciate and become engaged in art when the level of interaction and personal participation is high. Mimi Gaudieri, the executive director of the Association of Art Museum Directors, and other enthusiasts among professionals in the field insist that there's no conflict between a museum's mission and high-profile architecture. "On the contrary, an exciting building lends itself to art," Gaudieri says. "It's part of the growth of the whole museum field. Years ago we were just sleepy institutions with no profile, and all of a sudden things have changed. Museums have woken up. We are much more aware of the community and are working more closely with it." Current museums incorporate inviting lobbies, lecture halls, libraries, cafes and shops, recognizing that while they display art, they also must draw the interest of the public (and potential donors) with a holistic appeal (Lloyd 2001)."
The paper examines the architecture of the New Museum of Contemporary Art located in New York, as a representation of the principles of architecture and art of the time and space within which it functions.
Abstract Architecture is an art form that reflects a number of elements from the society in which it functions. Artmuseums are public buildings, whose purposes are to house representative works of the society that created it. As such, the buildings themselves also represent the principles of architecture and art of the time and space within which they function. The paper discusses the architecture of the museum and how the design of the structure and its interior fulfills the function of the building as representation of art and society.
Outline
The New Museum and History
Visitors
The Present
Sources
From the Paper "The New Museum of Contemporary Art is located in New York City, and was designed by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA in Tokyo. The seven-story building is one of its kind in terms of being the first ever art museum ever built in downtown Manhattan. "The New Museum" title indeed fits not only the building, but also its purpose and connections with its surroundings, New York City, and its citizens. The art entailed in the architecture of the building itself reflects its mission, attitude, and displays within the walls of the building. The New Museum of Contemporary Art is representative of the society in which it exists, as well as being a product that incorporates elements of the past in an innovative way to link the present with the future of contemporary art."
Abstract This paper contends that what has come to be known as the "classic model" of the public artmuseum is rooted in the evolution of artmuseums in Europe throughout the last few centuries. In particular, it examines the ways in which Berlin's Hamburger Bahnhof - a museum whose building was initially constructed for quite different purposes, plays into this conception of the museum.
From the Paper "The Hamburger Bahnhof has in many ways conformed to this aspect of the classic museum model. The museum's permanent collection, which is constantly rotating, features works by many "contemporary" (i.e. living or recently-lived) artists, representative of the major trends in western art, from the 1960s to the present day. But a vast portion of the Hamburger Bahnhof's ample exhibition space is devoted to temporary exhibitions by younger, up-and-coming artists who, on both a national and international scale, are widely considered to be producing work that is emblematic of the future of art. "
Abstract This art study examines the American paintings and sculpture exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York City. The writer notes that the exhibit is formulated around a three-fold objective: portraits, landscapes and sculpture for early American history. The writer maintains that by examining one piece from each of these sections of the exhibit, there can be a diversified analysis of how the pieces are placed into the overall framework of the museum. The writer concludes that these American art exhibits represent a historical view of early American history and stylistics.
From the Paper "The historical perspective of this painting is recreated in a fictional pose for Washington and his solders as they cross the Delaware to surprise their British and Hessian enemy. This was an important point during the revolutionary war in which Washington gained a growing national and international support for the cause for independence. This aspect of the exhibition directly relates to the patriotic symbolism of the gallery, as it is representative of a collection that define American historical context. The painting is 149 x 255 inches and is placed within one of the large gallery rooms. The need for this is accentuated not only in its size, but for the centrality of its importance for the historical forum that the Metropolitan Museum of art is presenting. This painting is properly placed in the overall architecture of the northeastern part of the Met, since it allows a wide range of visibility and composure for the viewers to understand the crucial place this painting holds in American art history."
A review of the overall organizational structure of the Indianapolis Art Center museum to ensure it best reaches its main mission which is "to engage, enlighten and enhance our communities through art education, participation and observation"
5,065 words (approx. 20.3 pages), 0 sources, 2002, $ 127.95
Abstract This paper seeks to illustrate the less conventional functions of the Indianapolis Art Center, in terms of its outreach activities designed to broaden its audience. It analyzes how well the museum is run in terms of staff, administration, use of financial resources and what recommendations can be made for future improvement.
From the Paper The primary recommendation that shall be made for improving the overall quality of the museum's exhibitions and presentations is a plan that will allow the museum to specialize and focus in a much more concentrated way. This will be accomplished more easily if curators can be hired either on a permanent or project basis. This applies especially to the acquisition of works for its permanent collection as well as to other aspects of its programming, such as lecture series and classes.
Abstract This paper examines the role of the arts which comprise of the disciplines of the visual arts, music, theater and dance in society and particularly education today. It shows how the arts not only impart a sense of beauty and vitality to the lives of human beings, but how they can also equip students with the necessary skills to flourish in the real world.
Outline and summary:
Introduction
Role of the arts in contemporary society; the recent resurgence of interest in the arts in schools; positive reasons for incorporating arts as mandatory courses in public schools.
Discussion on the significance of arts in society
Impact on human beings and society; historical significance of the artists? legacy.
Historical background of the role of arts in:
Society
The rise of interest in culture after World War II, leading to the division of America: one that is culturally conscious and one that is not.
Schools
The rise and fall of progressive education; attempts by the Clinton Administration to introduce the arts into public schools; gradual restoration of music programs all over America.
Discussion of the question: should arts be considered mandatory courses for public schools?
Pros
Cognitive abilities; imaginative skills; life skills; multiculturalism; improvement in students? academic performance and behavior; becoming a whole human being.
Cons
Positive results in research need to be proven; arts should not always be incorporated in other subjects; lack of funding.
Recommendations for bringing arts courses into public schools: collaboration between arts organizations and with schools; providing high quality education with well-trained teachers; innovative programs between schools and museums Conclusions: The potential of the arts for improving education and thus our society. Lists briefly the advantages of arts education.
From the Paper "Throughout history, many artists have been inspired by the world around them to create their works. Their accomplishments are not limited to the exclusive realm of the arts. Cave painters studied the anatomy and movement of the animals they drew. The pyramids built by the Egyptians were created with the accuracy of mathematics (Unsworth 56). Furthermore, The Impressionists? quest for color as reflected light mirrored the scientific discovery of the nature of light rays (Unsworth 56). Altogether, the rich legacy of all the artists provides contemporary generations with a vibrant representation of the human world and inspires us to continue their great work (York 274)."
Abstract This paper explains that the Fowler is a museum of culture rather than an artmuseum, and therefore it concentrates on the way culture is manifested by different peoples around the world. The author points out that the Fowler Museum is in a relatively new building on the north end of the campus of UCLA, but getting to the museum and close-parking areas are problems. This paper explains that the display of the artifacts in this museum differs from that in many museums; the visitor is not so separated from the objects being shown, but rather most objects rest on low platforms no more than a foot or so off the ground. The paper includes details of the "Music in the Life of Africa" exhibition.
From the Paper "Two of the current exhibits emphasize a continuing concern with how a culture makes use of its waste in artistic expression with shows on how certain materials are recycled for use in artworks. A second show has a similar theme but is more particularized as it shows "Muffler Men," or human figures made from discarded mufflers, usually by mechanics who then place these figures outside their businesses as advertising to show passersby what kind of business is conducted inside. Many of these figures are very creative. One service station shown in a photograph has eight or nine such figures outside and on its roof. Some of the figures are playing musical instruments, also made from old mufflers and other automobile parts no longer needed. The figures are usually painted, and they resemble nothing so much as robots in an old science fiction movie."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that art institutions have undergone significant changes in the past several decades. These changes are the result of the transformations in society as well as in art. The writer maintains that one way of addressing this relationship transformation is analyzing the position of art institutions that exist within societies and countries around the world. The writer points out that art institutions, like galleries and museums, are places where not only the work of art meets the eye of a critic but also locations where the broader public interacts with it. The writer notes that the public interaction with the artistic world in the art institutions is of crucial importance. After all, whether a work of art is going to survive or not depends a great deal on its public acceptance.
From the Paper "The art and artistic expression has elevated itself from aesthetic human activity to more intellectual and actively socially involved one. The artists view their role as a socially active one, as members of society who openly and sometimes provocatively challenge the accepted ideas and social values. They are ready to tackle the ethic and social taboos, attitudes and widely accepted believes. This inevitably is result form the fact that the contemporary art works are not created form the void. Rather, the conditions within our society shape the ideas and "products" of artistic activity. The artwork becomes as a result, a part of a dialogue that comprises the culture in our society."
Abstract This paper examines how politics have long served as an impetus for artistic creation. The paper explains that artwork commonly reflects not only a personal vision, but a communal one, touching on themes that are recognizable to a large body of people. The paper further explains that while often seen as polar opposites, the political world and the art world are in fact not separate entities, but frequently intermingle. The paper looks at how, throughout the past several centuries, political establishments around the world have provided creative fuel for a wide array of art and how in recent years governments from various countries have begun extensively funding new museums and exhibitions, enabling art to reach the attention of the masses. The paper also suggests that while governments around the world have worked hard to censor art they deem politically dangerous or obscene, they have also worked towards funding projects by artists past and present. In conclusion, the paper shows that whether for good or evil, politics and art are parts of a whole, bouncing and reflecting off of each other.
From the Paper "Politics, being the shared link between a mass of people, have naturally entered into the artistic repertoire of important and frequent themes. From Diego Rivera's "Man at the Crossroads," depicting Trotsky and Lenin in Rockefeller's commissioned all-American mural, to Dana Shutz's "Men's Retreat," showing Bush's cabinet walking blindfolded through the forest, artwork has often been about political subversion. Politically motivated artwork is not restricted to paintings either, there are literally millions of films, photos, plays, sculptures, drawings, music, and other forms of art that all deal with a need for political change.
With such radical work, however, comes censorship. The political world has innate control over the art world because of its power."
Tags: artwork, goverment, power, censorship, museum
Abstract The National Gallery Museum is home to some of the world's most famous paintings, including "Venus and Mars" by Sandro Botticelli and "Sunflowers" by Vincent van Gogh. This paper presents a history on the museum, including the addition of the Sainsbury wing and then describes several paintings stored in the museum. It also provides an architectural description of the museum.
From the Paper "The atmosphere of the Early Renaissance gallery is sophisticated, accessible and subdued. Lighting is a combination of artificial light and natural light that is automatically controlled and "delicately balanced" (Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates). The wing takes advantage of natural lighting as much as possible, and is designed to reduce damaging ultraviolet radiation. The color of the walls is designed to minimize distraction, and showcase the individual works (The National Gallery Museum, Building). A "gently implied hierarchy" of rooms (ranging from small to medium and large rooms) make up the galleries (Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates)."
Abstract This paper explains that Barbara Kruger and the Guerrilla Girls have taken traditional methods of art application and placed them within the normative modes of advertising methods. The author points out that inter-disciplinary arts, which are more than just an art technique, has become a public forum for feminist issues. The paper relates that, by opening the doors to the way that art is perceived, both Kruger and the Guerrilla Girls have taken art out of the traditional confines of museums and art houses and into modern media formats.
From the Paper "This art analysis presents an inter-disciplinary study of the art and advertising methods of Barbara Kruger and the Guerrilla Girls. By taking various examples of advertising billboards, magazine ads and other forms of art used within the modern media, an inter-disciplinary mode of art is created through the work of these artists. Through the study of the work of both Barbara Kruger and the Guerrilla Girls, one can realize the feminism and cultural impact of mixed mediums within modern inter-disciplinary art."
Abstract This paper examines art that is produced for a specific site, thereby taking advantage of the unique qualities of that site. The paper provides various examples of works of site-specific art, such as, from the internet, video arena, land, interior, and other genres. The writer also discusses the issue of preserving this type of art.
From the Paper "Site-specific art must therefore be commodified, due to the significance of its location. Commodification is the process in which a work of art is bought and sold as a commodity. Some artists believe that calling a work of art a commodity, or a unit of trade, is demeaning and reduces its artistic, aesthetic qualities. Site-specific art still retains these qualities, however, such as expression of the artist's feelings."
Tags: environmental, installation, internet, network, video, land, earth, museum
Abstract This paper will discuss why art is not as appreciated as it should be in the attendance of art galleries and appreciation of art. By this analysis we can see how this can have devastating affects on a persons and our civilizations way of determinating beauty within a culture and expanding perception ranges. By the turning its back on creativity within a society, the human race can lose it edge in the bigger scope of progression. The arts are an important corner of civilization and have a great part within the balance of a culture and their ability to invent by these means.
Abstract This paper discusses the building and putting together of a new museum housing an anthropological collection in the state of Georgia. The author examines how to build the museum, what type of museum it should be and how to balance the research and exhibit goals of the museum. The paper relates issues of collections, funding, staffing, museum design and layout.
From the Paper "The purpose of anthropology is to study the origin behavior as well as the physical, social and cultural development of humans throughout history and in different cultures. This study can take the form of fieldwork academic study research as well."
Abstract This paper begins with a look at what sparked the great interest in Orientalism beginning with the 19th century and continuing until the 1930s. The paper also describes the influence that Orientalism had on American tastes in decorative arts and explains that this interest in Orientalism was no doubt encouraged by the opening of the Suez Canal which had the effect of providing artists with abundant and seductive new motifs for their work.
From the Paper "Although Bonaparte had had the idea years earlier, it was in 1854 that the French diplomat, Ferdinand de Lesseps persuaded the Viceroy Said of Egypt to grant him the concession to cut a 100-mile long canal across the isthmus of the Suez. DeLesseps had cultivated the Viceroy Said even when the Viceroy was a young man and De Lesseps was the French ambassador to the Egyptian court" (African Business 2003, p. 64). "The creation of the Suez Canal captured the imagination of people around the world, and its opening in 1869 was a party to end all parties. As the champagne flowed, it was hailed as a symbol of progress that would serve to unite the world. You might even call it one of the first adventures in globalization-an infrastructure project designed to strengthen links between Europe, East Africa, the Middle East and the Orient" (African Business 2003, p. 64). In hindsight, of course, it did not work out as the great peace- and commerce-maker some may have had in mind."
