Medium Specificity

As a supplement to today's discussion...

Here's that Pollock piece that I referenced. Pollock might be exploring painting as the process of applying paint to canvas, painting as paint on canvas (not necessary representational), paint as the dynamic relationship between colors, etc.

Jackson Pollock, "Number 6"

Here is the print from Warhol that I mentioned. Warhol is exploring printmaking as demonstrating the infinite reproducibility of art in the modern era and the commodification of cultural icons (like celebrities Elvis or Marilyn Monroe).

Andy Warhol, "Eight Elvises"

And just as a reminder, here is the assignment description:

Each student will choose an artistic medium (film, photography, drawing, painting, medium, dance, performance, graphic design, poetry, literary narrative, etc.) and produce a work which explores the specific elements unique to that medium--like Brakhage or Daren’s films, Pollock’s paintings, Warhol’s prints, Cage’s music, etc. Students are encouraged to consider how their particular work functions as a celebration, commentary or critique of their chosen medium.

 So, I will evaluate your work with the following in mind:

• Did you choose a medium, identify a fundamental element of that medium, and produce a creative work that both conceptually and artistically engages with that element of the medium?
• Did you provide an artist's statement that explains (1) your decision to explore a certain element of the medium and (2) how your piece creatively engages in that exploration? Also, consider (as mentioned in the assignment description) how your project functions to celebrate, comment on or critique the chosen medium.