Module #11 - Video Review

Video Review: Matisse and Picasso & Expressionism

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.
• I chose the expressionism video because I really liked the imagery of the artists approach from the examples in the reading. It is like poetry, in that it expresses feelings, but instead of words the artists use color, shape, shade, and light to convey their emotions. I chose the Matisse and Picasso video for the same reason I have chosen many videos before. I really want it not be such a dullard about art and I feel like the more exposure I get to well known artist the more educated-ly I will be able to speak about and reference them, and the types of art they are known for.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
• For the Expressionism video the key concepts that I learned were about about the theme of the artist highlights in the videos. I also learned that I really like the work of Marc, not necessarily because I find it visually appealing, but that he seems to feature and appreciate animals. Also interestingly I was able to identify one of his pieces, The Wolf, from afar when I was at Albright knox working on the exhibit assignment. In the second video that I chose I learned quite a bit more about the two artist Matisse and Picasso. I was especially intrigued by how the video highlighted the relationship between the two artists. It seems very rare that we have learned about artists who are alive at the same time, impact each other. I also thought it was insightful to be exposed to how the art we value so highly today was received at the time it was created.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
• The videos are a great supplement to add dimension to the readings. Where the book picks out only overviews and highlights the films are able to give multiple examples of artists works. There are many more pictures featured in the videos which, support the books reporting of the artists styles. The videos are also a powerful addition to learning about art because they, cinematography, are art themselves. It is good for me especially, as an audio and visual learner to be able to see and hear in greater detail the topics that are touched on in the book with only one or two supporting examples.

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
• The videos added depth to my understanding by providing a multitude of examples by the different artists works. The expressionist video was great for explaining why the different expressionist artist had different themes in their work. I felt like through the video I really got a scenes of the artist's style and it is interesting to see what was going on in the world and in their lives that influenced their art. I think this aspect of understanding the artist is more important in the expressionist style than in others. I also liked that the video showed works being retooled, where r the same subject could be changed to give off a totally different emotion. It was really interesting to gain insight to the relationship between Matisse and Picasso, the impact that they had on one another, and the fact that it was recorded in history, is unique to my knowledge in the history of the artist that I have learned about so far.