Art and Culture According to Mel

Art Honouring Love...

2013-02-14T17:24:00.000+02:00

Aah love... What a delightfully perplexing concept and one which has been occupying the imagination of human beings for as long as we have been able to rub two brain cells together.

Below you will find several examples of how “love” can be interpreted by various artists using different mediums – and yet this display doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the subject.

Enjoy!

~ Mel

"The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt

"Last Kiss" by Adam Martinakis

Kevin Champeny

"Love Hurts" by DOLK

LOVE Statue by Robert Indiana

LOVE Park, Philadelphia

"LOVE IS SOLD OUT" - GOIN 2013

Artist Interview: Brent Black

2012-04-20T12:15:00.000+02:00

Brent Black is an artist of such ingenuity and vision that he has managed to render me speechless on a regular basis since our paths crossed a few months ago. The truth is that I have tried to write an appropriate introduction for this interview several times, but the charisma of Brent’s art eventually distracts me to the point of total incoherence.

Fortunately, my beloved brought it to my attention that the interview can be split into two parts – which is exactly what I am going to do. Today’s post will explore Brent as a person and artist, while the second part will focus exclusively on a few of his artworks... Enjoy!

Why did you to become an artist?

Well, it’s the only thing I’m good at really! I love drawing and I cannot imagine doing anything else other than that.

How long have you’ve been a practicing artist?

I have been dabbling in art for about 8 years. I started out creating illustrations using Microsoft Paint for a shirt company called Finga Pupit which became quite popular and then branched out with cartooning and tattoo flashes. I recently completed my Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design via the Tswane University of Technology and I’m planning on furthering my studies in the future.

How would you describe your work?

My work is current and quite “tongue in cheek” – featuring various subtle innuendoes on current affairs or whatever is going on in my head at that time. My style is raw and “in your face”. Ultimately, I have fun with whatever I’m busy with and that translates to my work.

Tell us about the awards you have received for your work?

Last year I was not only a finalist in the Goldpak Awards, but I received a merit award for the Antalis Art of Design Awards as well. I have also received numerous awards for my work while studying for my Degree.

On an artistic as well as personal level, what would you say inspires you?

I strive to learn more at all times – I do this by keeping up with new trends, finding whatever is new and challenging and collaborating with awesome artists on an International level. I am currently working on a few collaborations with some amazing talent – you can learn more about these collaborations on my Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.221975297874545.54299.197924303612978&type=3

What helps you to stay motivated?

Coffee – a lot of it!

However, I also try my best to draw something, anything, at least once a day as well as keeping good company – I am lucky enough to have great people in my life who motivate me daily as well as having the privilege of working with an awesome team.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Network, network, network!

Make friends, don’t “hate-collate” and... Never stop doodling on desks, kids – it’s good for you!

To find out more about Brent and his work, follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/#!/Bblack_studios or join his Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/BBlackStudios and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the second part of this captivating artist’s interview!

Blessings,

Mel

Special Announcement

2012-03-13T09:54:00.000+02:00

“I like the idea of collaboration - it pushes you. It's a richer experience.”

- Frank Gehry (Architect)

Collaboration is the practice of collectively working with others on intellectual and creative undertakings and has formed part of artistic endeavours for centuries. While collaboration is the subject of many heated debates among artists regarding its benefits and drawbacks, the full value and potential of artistic collaboration was not obvious to me until recently when a brilliant art agent, Marina Ejova asked me to collaborate with her and her client.

To cut a long story short, check out the new blog I’m writing with (and for ) the brilliant contemporary artist, Igor Darr.

To view the blog, kindly visit:

http://igordarrart.blogspot.com/

To join the Facebook page, visit:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Igor-Darr/294961713895486

Blessings,

Mel

Featured Image:

http://popartmachine.com/item/pop_art/934-136/SILHOUETTE-COMPOSITIONS-SILHOUETTE-OF-TWO-BUSINESS-PEOPLE-SHAKING-HANDS-POP

Update on Artist Kyle Goulden...

2012-02-09T07:53:00.000+02:00

Last night I received exciting news from one of the artists I interviewed last year... Kyle Goulden. For those of you new to the blog, here is Kyle’s interview:

http://artsandculturemel.blogspot.com/2011/09/artist-interview-kyle-goulden.html

And here is Kyle’s news in his own words:

“As some of you might remember, I'm one of those people who love learning, creating and so on – it is what I love to do and it’s what gives me the most joy in life. For the last four years, I’ve been working in an office doing motion design and animation. However, this year things needed to change.

That is why as from the 1^st of March, I will be a full-time freelancer which means that you can contact me for all your design, animation, editing, photography, retouching, art direction and cinematography needs. Feel free to check out my website at: www.kylegoulden.com. As an added bonus, I’m offering discounts to the first 10 people who contact me. Simply add "AWBPROMO" to the subject line to be eligible for this offer.*

I hope to see you all soon, and here’s to an epic 2012!”

* Offer ends 1 March 2012 and is limited to one quote per person only. More details on contact. Terms and conditions apply.

There you have it dear readers, support a very talented South African artist in his ventures.

Blessings,

Mel

Artist Interview: Barry Greenland

2012-01-19T08:42:00.000+02:00

Today’s article features an interview with a highly talented photographer I stumbled across on Deviant Art – Barry Greenland. Not only is Barry a talented artist, but he is also a very pleasant person as well as an avid supporter of artistic endeavours (he even offers photography related tutorials on his website in order to help other aspiring artists).

Why did you become an artist?

In 2004 I got my first small point and shoot digital camera as a Christmas gift and it all started there. I also taught myself how to manipulate images as I was now able to take my own stock images and use them for that purpose. In 2006 I joined Deviant Art and started sharing my work there – I was quite surprised with the positive response I got and I’ve been there ever since – even though my work presently focuses primarily on photography, but I still use manipulation skills during the editing process at times.

How long have you been a practicing artist?

I’ve always had a love of art and being creative, so when I started to get tools such as cameras, computers, graphic software and so on, I just got deeper into the whole process of creating. I have a need to discover how others have achieved certain ways of editing images or what settings were used on the camera to take a certain photograph. I love learning and there is always something new and exciting to discover when it comes to photography and editing.

Tell us more about your work?

My images are usually muted in tone. I prefer soft colours to bright – although if the image requires it, I’ll enhance the colours to make them ‘pop’. I’m an avid nature photographer: I love getting up close to plants and trying to capture their essence, as well as photographing landscapes and “skyscapes”.

I also love still-life photography which involves setting up a small scene such as a fruit basket or flowers and then photographing it. I tend to use texture overlays quite a bit as well. (What this does is give an image a vintage look, which is a style I’ve enjoyed for some time.) I adore old images and being able to create my own is quite a pleasure. Most of my images will involve editing as I try to create a piece of art with the photo rather than just having a simple snapshot.

What inspires you?

Inspiration comes from many things – movies, TV, books and other artists. There is so much beauty around us that it is hard not to find inspiration somewhere. I sometimes make little notes when I get an idea – this helps when I hit a blank wall because I can simply go to my notes and discover a few ideas that I had a while back. I also try to photograph and edit every day.

How do you stay motivated?

Motivation comes from discovering what I can do. I’ve often surprised myself by attempting something new and being successful. I also look through tutorials available on the Internet to see what others are doing and then try them out to see if I can achieve something similar. Practice is something I feel is always necessary, no matter how good you might be.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Practice, practice and practice some more. Your heart needs to be in your work or you just won’t get anywhere. Don’t get disheartened when things don’t go as planned, keep at it and you will eventually achieve what you want. I never think that my work is perfect; I always feel that I can improve on something and this helps me with motivation...

For more information about Barry, his exquisite works, and the prints he offers for sale, visit http://bgphotography.za.net. You can also find him on Facebook and Deviant Art at: http://www.facebook.com/BarryGreenlandPhotography and http://bazzabent.deviantart.com

Blessings,

Mel

Pain & Art...

2011-12-07T08:23:00.000+02:00

It is often said that “tortured artists” produce the best artwork... The link between mental (and sometimes physical) anguish and creativity originated with the ancient Greeks and the philosophical school of thought inspired by Socrates. With time, this idea developed and finally this stereotype was firmly rooted in the minds of people everywhere. The reason for my sudden fascination with pain is related to the fact that my wisdom teeth are being removed this week, so accordingly I decided to investigate this age old link between art and pain.

Surprisingly, it appears that the subject is quite popular and tends to branch into two main concepts – using pain as a source of inspiration for artists and utilizing art to physically represent the pain of chronic pain sufferers. To learn more about the latter, go to http://www.painexhibit.com/. The other concept involves the age old beliefs regarding artists and pain.

When I initially looked into this perception, I found that the dominant opinion* was firmly against the stereotype. The concept is largely considered to be extremely damaging and disrespectful towards artists all over the world and even though I am inclined to agree, history also shows us that pain can be a powerful force of inspiration in art.

Many well-known artists have used pain in a variety of ways for their work – such as a source of inspiration or even simply as a powerful theme for a specific artwork. A popular example is of the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, who is especially famous for the many self-portraits she painted. These artworks depicted vividly her personal struggles which included numerous health problems as well as a stormy marriage to Diego Rivera.

The Spanish artist Pablo Picasso made use of pain and suffering in order to bring his message across regarding the bombing of the town of Guernica by the Nazi’s during the Spanish Civil War in 1937. Picasso uses images of severe pain and suffering to illustrate the devastation of this tragic event**.

There are many more examples illustrating the relationship between art and pain but regarding this subject, I tend to agree with Michelangelo when he said: “A beautiful thing never gives so much pain as does failing to hear and see it.”

Blessings,

Mel

* On the Internet at least.

** Interpretations of the painting’s meaning vary.

Sources:

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/michelange183559.html

http://scienceblogs.com/neurophilosophy/2008/01/frida_kahlos_life_of_pain.php

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/22/pain-as-an-art-form/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creativity_and_mental_illness

http://www.fridakahlo.com/?f1174318

http://eleni-media.blogspot.com/2010/04/this-painting-is-one-of-famous-painting.html

Further Reading:

http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-tortured-artists.php

http://www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/later.html

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/14/new-biography-argues-van-gogh-did-not-kill-himself/

Featured Images:

The Broken Column

Frida Kahlo

1944

Oil on Canvas

43.2 x 33cm

http://jerzygirl45.wordpress.com/art-gallery/frida-kahlo/

Las dos Fridas (The two Fridas)

Frida Khalo

1939

Oil on Canvas

173.4 x 172.7 cm

http://www.learner.org/courses/globalart/work/57/index.html

Guernica

Pablo Picasso

1937

3.5 x 7.8m

http://www.pablopicasso.org/guernica.jsp

2011-11-30T15:07:00.000+02:00

To all my loyal Readers,

As from January 2012, Art & Culture According to Mel... will send out a monthly newsletter to its readers.

What you can expect:

A sneak peek of the month’s featured articles;
Gallery & artist reviews;
Diary of South African exhibitions & events;
Art & Culture competitions with cash prizes*;
And so much more!

If you (or anybody you know) would like to receive this newsletter, kindly send an email to artsandculturemel@gmail.com and you will be added to our list.

Blessings,

Mel

*SA residents only. Terms and conditions apply.

Featured Image:

The Morning News

William Merritt Chase

Oil painting

http://www.saleoilpaintings.com/shopping.asp?oilpainting=william-merritt-chase-the-morning-news

Freedom of Speech & Democracy

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000+02:00

Art critics and historians are supposed to be as objective as possible and should always do their very best to not become overly emotional when discussing a subject... With this article I found it very difficult to remain objective and cool-headed. You see, something happened in South Africa this week – something so potentially dangerous and disturbing that despite my “avoid all news for sanity’s sake” lifestyle, I’ve been following the news religiously since Monday.

On Tuesday 22 November, a new piece of legislation was put before our parliament: The protection of state of information bill – which “aims to regulate the classification, protection and dissemination of state information, weighing state interests up against transparency and freedom of expression” – and by Tuesday afternoon, the bill was passed. The public’s reaction to this has been powerful and personally I can understand why – freedom of speech is in danger.

Freedom of speech and democracy are two ancient and tightly interwoven ideals which originated with the ancient Greeks – the term “democracy” actually originates from the Greek language and roughly means “rule by the (simple) people.” The ancient Greeks believed that in order for a democracy to work, each citizen* had the right to express their views freely and without fear of persecution.

With time, these ancient ideals have evolved into what we** now understand them to be. During the Age of Enlightenment (17^th and 18^th centuries), philosophers developed the theory of democracy which consisted of such fundamental aspects as basic civil rights, the separation of powers, religious freedom as well as the separation of church and state.

So what exactly is the point of this history lesson? Simply that free speech has been an integral part of democracy and democratic cultures for centuries and when this ideal is threatened, we should all be worried. I’m not completely sure what the consequences of our government’s decision will be, but I hope that caution and sound judgment will be used when implementing these new laws.

Blessings,

Mel

*Citizens who were eligible to vote.

**People residing in democratic countries.

Images:

http://footprints.bligoo.com/tag/art

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protection_of_State_Information_Bill

http://www.democracy-building.info/definition-democracy.html

Further Reading:

http://www.zapiro.com/Caricatures/Black-Tuesday-2011/

http://www.enotes.com/topics/democracy

http://www.martinfrost.ws/htmlfiles/enlightenment_age.html

Superstition and Culture

2011-11-22T07:55:00.000+02:00

I personally see superstitions as another branch of oral tradition* in the sense that it resembles traditional myths, proverbs and fairy tales in many ways – such as the fundamental need of most cultures to pass on their own traditional lessons to the next generation. Superstitions are mainly described as irrational beliefs in unseen forces which are for the most part associated with evil and misfortune. An alternative definition asserts that superstitions are also rooted in common sense – thus illustrating healthy habits, social etiquette and caution by way of precautionary tales.

Superstitions vary from culture to culture, as can be seen in their origins. Consider the number 13 for example: this number carries an unlucky association in most western cultures, even to the point where the existence of a 13^th floor is denied in many buildings and a popular explanation for this lies with the account of Judas Iscariot – who according to Christian legend, betrayed Jesus Christ – being the 13^th guest present at the Last Supper.

The cursed nature of black cats in western superstition also has its roots in spiritual beliefs – it was commonly believed that black cats were the representatives of witches and would also act as spies for these evil enchanters. According to several sources though, the largest contributing factor to the perceived cursedness of black cats lies with the Christian Church’s efforts in eradicating any and all Pagan beliefs** – as a result the Church convinced the ignorant and uneducated that cats were actually demons in disguise.

In South Africa, superstitions are abundant and the fact that there are so many different cultures only adds to the exaggeration of these superstitions. Not only does each South African culture have its own superstitions to worry about, but they are also heavily influenced by western culture and superstitions as well. A well-known South African superstition concerns the Tokoloshe – a small, humanoid creature which is known to haunt people as well as inflicting physical and emotional harm to the “cursed” person. It is believed that the Tokoloshe is sent to haunt a person through the powers of an evil Sangoma*** who is employed by the afflicted person’s enemies.

There are countless different superstitions all over the world and it can be quite an interesting experience when you take the time to investigate their different cultural meanings and origins. If you would like to read more about different superstitions around the world, follow the “Further Reading” links below.

Blessings,

Mel

* Oral tradition can be defined as: “a community’s cultural and historical traditions passed down by word of mouth or example from one generation to another without written instruction.”

** The ancient Egyptians believed cats to be sacred and worshipped them as gods.

*** A Sangoma can be loosely defined as: “A witchdoctor, traditional herbalist, or traditional healer.”

Further Reading:

http://www.eu-forums.com/tourism/superstitions-in-different-countries-t2356.html

http://www.topics-mag.com/internatl/superstitions/page.htm

http://www.life.com/gallery/52091/where-superstitions-come-from#index/0

http://www.iheu.org/node/2856

Featured Images:

http://blog.psprint.com/designing/7-super-superstition-designs/

Sources:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/oral+tradition

http://sangi.sanguinarius.org/creative/OriginsOfPopularSuperstitions.pdf

http://www.king-tut.org.uk/ancient-egyptians/egyptian-cat.htm

http://www.iheu.org/node/2856

http://www.allwords.com/word-sangoma.html

A Brief Cultural Look at Halloween...

2011-11-03T21:47:00.000+02:00

I have always liked Halloween – not for any reason other than the fact that I generally have a great time with my friends and I love dressing up for the occasion. This year, I thought I’d take a look into the cultural origins of this holiday and how people make it their own.

When discussing holidays, be aware that you might be venturing into tricky cultural territory. The reason for this is simple in my mind because I always make the connection between holiday and “holy-day”. The point I’m trying to make is that while a yearly celebration might just be a fun event for some people, we should be aware that for others it might be a very serious occasion with its roots set in traditions and rituals which are sacred.

It is widely believed that the origins of Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve lie in the Celtic festival of Samhain which in a nutshell served to fend off wandering spirits. In ancient times many festivals and rituals were implemented with the well-being of the community in mind. Communal rituals were practiced in order to ward off evil, ensure the return of summer, encourage the growth of crops and other essential components of life in those times and by taking part in these rituals, each individual not only ensured their own prosperity but the betterment and advancement of their community as well.

The festival of Samhain was later incorporated into Catholicism by Pope Gregory III as a prelude to All Saints Day and included many of the original Celtic traditions. With time, Halloween has become an exceedingly child-orientated holiday, possibly in order to make the bogeyman under the bed less scary, to imprint underlying cultural messages and to promote the dental industry.

Halloween has become a singular tradition in our household, with its own special rituals – from the same social engagements every year to the time we take to dress up and plan the festivities. For us, Halloween might not represent what it originally intended but it has nonetheless become a holiday in its own right and this for me represents the fundamental beauty present in the relationship between ritualistic traditions and cultures – human beings tend to keep ancient rituals alive and well by revamping them and making these rituals their own.

Blessings,

Mel

Sources:

http://www.history.com/topics/halloween

Interesting Reading:

http://www.livescience.com/16677-halloween-superstitions-traditions.html

Featured Images:

http://www.ghoulfriday.com/bill_bassos_beastly_art

http://decktheholidays.blogspot.com/2010/10/tips-for-keeping-your-jack-o-lantern.html

http://www.boardwalkoriginals.com/z-boardwalk-originals-dummy-boards-halloween-thanksgiving-autumn/a_boardwalk_originals_dummy_boards_halloween_thanksgiving_autumn_1.htm

Bubble Bubble, Toil 'n Trouble...

2011-10-28T18:11:00.000+02:00

I have been a very negligent blogger lately and the withdrawal is actually starting to drive me crazy. I miss expressing my views and sharing my observations, not to mention sitting in front of my laptop and typing the night away. The reason I haven’t been indulging in this specific passion is simple and complex at the same time – life has gotten in the way.

I’ve been studying, working, moving, adapting to a new environment and generally trying to figure out this new and exciting phase of my life. I tragically found myself wondering recently if it is possible that a person is only allowed a certain amount of blessings in their lives. Fortunately, a stray bolt of invigorating inspiration hit me a few minutes ago and now I’m going to share this tidbit of personal enlightenment with my wonderful readers – blessings can only inspire and enhance each other and help create more blessings in your life.

So expect to hear a lot from me again and prepare yourself to read the very best in interesting, amazing and sometimes bewildering articles about my glorious mistress called art and her fascinating twin sister, culture.

Enjoy your Halloween weekend everybody, I know I will...

Blessings,

Mel

Featured Image:

http://alissaempey.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-painting-revised.html

Artist Interview: Kyle Goulden

2011-09-27T12:19:00.000+02:00

I’m not really an expert on photography but the work of Kyle Goulden caught my attention a while back and I was thrilled when he agreed to do an interview for the blog. He is a gifted South African photographer and I find his work absolutely exhilarating...

How long have you been a practicing artist?

I’ve been practicing photography for three years now although I only started taking it more seriously during the last two years. I initially experimented with Photoshop and similar mediums – vector art* kind of stuff – and progressed further with time. I have a career in graphic design and broadcast animation**, which means that I have to merge the two mediums a bit.

Why did you become an artist?

It was natural. There wasn't really a definitive moment. It started with taking a few photos and playing around with them using Photoshop.

How would you describe your work and style?

My work changes frequently – which can sometimes be a problem!

Generally my work’s influences range from expressionistic, conceptual, cinematic to fashion and art. A lot of the time I photograph fashion-centric subjects in order to improve my skills and earn an additional income but cinematic emotive*** subjects are my passion.

Tell us about the awards you received?
I received a Promax Silver Muse for Best Sponsored Spot in both 2009 and 2010 for two different promos, which is a big thing for me considering I had no previous training in this field.

Promax/BDA is an awards ceremony and conference held in South Africa every year. It’s kind of like the Louries, but not as focused on commercials, rather more focused on promos and ads – such as channel branding, best radio/broadcast/print campaign, and best typography usage.

What inspires you – as an artist and as a person?

I am primarily inspired by games and music – mainly the latter, but daily life and how humankind works, thinks and acts inspire me as well. A part of me wishes I became involved in music instead of photography, but there is no reason one can't love and work with both.

How do you stay motivated?

I stop trying so hard. Artists block is when you have nothing to say, so go out there and live. I firmly believe that as an artist you should love life more than your art – experiences are really what motivates a person.

Where would you like to go with your art - where do you see yourself in the future?

With my art, I'd love to get more involved with people and their stories. It may be a funny thing to say for a portrait photographer, but I love cinematic images which tell a story in one image. I'd love to do more collaborations and I'm busy planning an exhibition for sometime next year.

I'm also working on a few music videos for some international musicians and would love to continue with that. Career wise, I want to study some more – learn some 3D and Flash skills.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Just keep going – keep living life and creating. Don't get caught up in what others do, follow your own style.

Visit www.kreation.co.za to find out more about Kyle, his work and the services he offers as a professional photographer. You can join his Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kyle-Goulden-Creative/222044544487754?sk=info.

Blessings,

Mel

* Vector Art - For me it’s using a technical part of my mind in a creative way. I love playing with the Abstract, and Vector for Me allows me to create that in ways I can't in photography. Adobe Illustrator is my favourite friend in that.

** Broadcast Animation - Not so much of Disney animation but more advertising based. However that doesn't mean it’s not creative. I've animated a whole bunch of them and very rarely do two projects look the same. It gets tricky however to do fun stuff within a very specific look but it’s a great challenge.

*** Cinematic emotive - For me it’s a feeling you get when you look at an image and you see a greater story within it. It calls out to you and makes you feel something so real and makes you want to see more, see how the story plays out.

Taking a breath...

2011-09-23T09:58:00.000+02:00

After an exhausting two months I have decided to take a few days off in order to compose myself and regain my inner peace but the responsibility to my readers should never take a break.

I felt it neccessary to write a quick post to let all you know that next week I will feature the blog's second Artist Interview with Kyle Goulden - an innovativie and inspiring South African photographer.

May all of you find some rest and peace this weekend and Tuesday we'll share in the beauty of Kyle's photographs.

Blessings,
Mel

Featured Image:

Tree of Life

Pierre Knobel

http://www.facebook.com/pierre.knobel

Public Art: Street Art

2011-09-13T19:22:00.000+02:00

In today’s day and age, the lines between Public Art, Graffiti, Street Art and Urban Art are very blurred. Three weeks ago I started this series on Public Art, looking at its origins, moving to its development into the private sector, and then looking at graffiti. Today I discuss Street Art (and all its accompanying branches).

Generally speaking, Street Art is any art which is developed within public spaces – almost like a modern version of Public Art, with the exception of being unsanctioned by any official organization. The term encompasses many methods of art making and is even referred to as post-graffiti in some circles in order to distinguish it from vandalism and corporate art.

In recent times, Street Art and its developing subculture has gained popularity in many branches of society and is now becoming a predominant art form. Many professionals in the art industry are putting more effort into learning Street Art terminology and styles in order to develop into a marketable art form.

What is the motivation behind Street Art? The inspiration for the art created depends on what that particular artist or group is trying to say – there is nearly always an explicit message behind the finished product. Some artists or groups comment on current social conditions while other make political statements, but the underlying theme of Street Art remains the challenge of adapting visual art within a public space and reaching a wider audience.

Urban Art is one of the various spin-offs from street Art. While Urban Art is in some ways similar to Street Art, Urban Art is inspired by urban areas and architecture as well as the urban lifestyle. It is an expression of the daily trails and triumphs of the people living in urban areas and also acts as a mouthpiece for them.

Urban Art tends to speak for itself, the implications of the images are quite apparent. A tree painted against a building is likely to represent the yearning for nature within an urban environment while the image of a child disarming a soldier is a clear indication that a society wants warfare to stop.

Another branch of Street Art is Guerilla Art, which is the practice of creating art pieces (generally installation pieces) and then leaving them anonymously in public places. Anonymity is the essence of Guerilla Art and it is a very effective way for an artist to not only bring a point across to a large audience, but to create greater interest in the art work as a result of this anonymity. An impressively famous example of Guerilla Art is the bronze sculpture, Charging Bull created by Arturo Di Modica which was originally placed in front of the New York Stock Exchange and which became so popular that it was later installed as a permanent display in Bowling Green Plaza.

This concludes the series on Public Art.

Blessings,

Mel

Sources:

http://artradarjournal.com/2010/01/21/what-is-street-art-vandalism-graffiti-or-public-art-part-i/

Interesting sites:

http://www.capetownmagazine.com/arts-culture/Exploring-the-NotSoSilent-Urban-Art/104_22_10231

http://weburbanist.com/2009/06/14/20-subversive-works-of-urban-guerrilla-street-art/

Featured image sources:

http://www.xmarkjenkinsx.com/outside.html

http://stitchinnetka.tumblr.com/post/5333860506/great-urban-art-example-that-would-be-so-great-to

http://www.an-mag.com/street-art-isnt-just-for-the-streets-anymore/

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/5926278

Public Art: Graffiti

2011-09-06T18:18:00.000+02:00

I have always had a fascination with graffiti. Whether the graffiti I see is badly executed or something more in the lines of the fabulous urban art which is gaining popularity these days, I adore running into it.

In some cases, graffiti seems to be the raging expression of discontent among the voiceless and at times the act of graffiti is a statement in itself, a way of rebelling against society and the way that things are done.

Graffiti generally refers to images and/or letters which are spray-painted, painted, scratched or marked in some manner on the surfaces of properties or public areas. It has been around for thousands of years – especially notable in ancient Greece and Rome – best of all, we can still see ancient graffiti today, at places like the excavations at Pompeii in Italy.

Scholars are now realizing that graffiti was actually a common practice among ancient Romans and the graffiti contained everything from romantic messages to praise for the government as well as wishes of prosperity for the city. Rebecca Benefiel, an assistant professor of classics at the Washington and Lee University even discovered an ancient poetry contest on one of the walls in Pompeii.

According to a research paper by Timothy Werwath*, graffiti can largely be divided into two categories: communication/cultural frustration and individual expression.

When we look at the first category, we return to the concept of Public Art whereby a message is being conveyed to the public in general. While this message can be a very powerful tool in communicating a society’s satisfaction or displeasure, it can also bestow the gift of hope and inspiration to that same society. The beauty of graffiti is that in general it is an art form practiced by conventional people, so the subject matter of the graffiti tends to be of a more general nature and is easily related to.

When we look at the second category (individual expression), graffiti then tends to move toward more artistic inclinations** and personal messages. Everything from messages of love to profound statements, the graffiti fueled by the individual’s personality is abstract and while it might be a bit difficult to understand, it is extremely interesting to view and interpret.

In South Africa, I have noticed a gradual increase in quality and quantity of graffiti over the years and I even had the privilege to see a photo of an acquaintance’s work for sale at an exhibition. I also noticed that graffiti commenting on political issues have increased as well.

When the leader of the AWB, Eugene Terre’Blanche was murdered and the political parties where grabbing their soap-boxes in a mad dash to air their opinions, images of his face sprang up all over Pretoria. What the message of this was I can only guess at, but it just goes to show you that quiet opinions spring up, even at the very tip of Africa.

Graffiti isn’t always great and it definitely doesn’t always have some profound message or social statement – sometimes people just like painting on walls or causing trouble – but that should not take away from the fantastic graffiti that is out there.

There are many great examples of graffiti past and present, but all cannot be covered in one post. I would like to leave you with this thought though: next time you see graffiti on your way to work or some other engagement, take a few minutes to think about what is being said.

Blessings,

Mel

Next week: Street Art.

* I have no idea who he is, but I found his research paper very enlightening and interesting.

** As we generally understand the term.

Sources:

http://www.graffiti.org/faq/werwath/werwath.html

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/Reading-the-Writing-on-Pompeiis-Walls.html

http://www.wlu.edu/x34628.xml

Interesting Links:

http://weburbanist.com/2007/12/16/stitching-together-history-culture-and-graffiti-a-look-at-urban-art-in-san-francisco/

http://www.wlu.edu/x34628.xml

Images:

http://merelyobservation.wordpress.com/

http://arthistorymadness.blogspot.com/2007/10/graffiti-from-pompeii.html

http://www.graffitisouthafrica.com/

Public Art: Shopping Malls and Corporate Art

2011-08-31T14:02:00.000+02:00

I have noticed a growing "trend" in Gauteng – Public Art displayed in shopping malls. For the most part, I think it started more as the result of a marketing plan than as a genuine desire to promote and develop art. Regardless, it has created a greater interest in art.

During the course of my research, I realized that this “trend” is not a recent development. In fact, many shopping malls have adopted the display of artworks for many years now and Public Art is also presented within the context of Corporate Art – art made with the purpose of display within corporations.

With the exception of mass-produced art, these forms of Public Art have as much merit as any other art form. While the motivation for the creation of these artworks are more commercial, an artist always puts a bit of him- or herself in their work, thus each artwork still has a deep personal meaning. The Public Art displayed in shopping malls are inclined to convey a positive, community-based or historical message and the organizations who commission these artworks tend to build the shopping malls around this message and/or image. It is important to note though, that the opposite of this is also the practice.

As I stated in my previous post, Public Art generally has a specific message but in the case of Public Art within Corporate Art this is not always the case. Sometimes it is requested that the artwork simply adheres to a certain theme, colour or whatever else the corporation has in mind. In South Africa, I have noticed an intense degree of cultural pride in the artworks displayed in a corporate environment, which inevitably leads to the promotion of art and culture.

Overall, I believe that Public Art displayed in shopping malls and within the context of Corporate Art is a good thing. It promotes and supports cultural and artistic endeavors while presenting many people with the opportunity to be exposed to art.

Blessings,

Mel

Next week: Graffiti.

Feature Images:

Private

Public Art

2011-08-23T08:39:00.000+02:00

I started writing this post as a platform for another one concerning the art I have seen appearing more frequently at shopping malls. However, when I started my research I came across the term Public Art and realized that it is a much more vast and interesting subject matter than I could ever imagine.

Public Art can generally be described according to two categories:

1. An artwork which has been created for and placed at a public space which is easily accessible to all;

2. Any artwork which is purchased with public funds, irrespective of whether or not it is accessible to the public at large.

When we think of Public Art in the context of the first description, we think of monuments, statues and paintings depicting a country’s heroes and history. From the great temples of ancient Greece to the statues of the Emperors of Rome, public institutions (such as governments, churches, etc.) have commissioned great artworks over the centuries and some of them with less than noble intentions.

Public Art has been used on numerous occasions for the purposes of propaganda – from ancient times to the modern day. In ancient Rome for example, Amphitheaters and other public buildings along with the accompanying statues and frescoes were built with the political advancement of the involved patrons in mind. The medium then changed and in 1966 to 1976 posters were used for Public Art propaganda during the Cultural Revolution in China. Stalin’s regime also used posters to enforce the political viewpoints of the Soviet Union.

Even today we see statues erected in the name of political figures we “should” consider heroes (which is a matter of personal opinion) and posters which advocate political parties and their views. Public Art is not always commissioned or created with dark intentions in mind – it can be uplifting and an asset to a city, it can make people think and help them to enjoy the pleasures of all art forms, and it can be a reminder of a city or country’s history.

Public Art has developed a new, present-day definition as well: it can also be a message from a person or group to society in general – as a form of creative communication. Public Art is also not limited to physical objects anymore and consists of almost any form of expression in contemporary society.

As part of this subject, my next three posts will focus on some of the modern aspects of Public Art: Art in shopping malls and Corporate Art, Graffiti and Street Art. So keep reading and discover the fascinating features of Public Art.

Blessings,

Mel

Next week: Art in shopping malls and Corporate Art.

Sources:

http://www.joburg.org.za/culture/built-heritage/public-art/about-public-art

http://www.publicartaroundtheworld.com/

http://nnpaf.org/what_is_art.html

http://www.students.sbc.edu/smith04/ancientrome.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/146249/Cultural-Revolution’

Featured image sources:

http://www.southafrica.info/business/economy/development/firewalker.htm

http://ucsdmag.ucsd.edu/magazine/vol4no2/features/posters.htm

http://tim-martin.com.au/otherPagesDetail.php?Soviet-Propaganda-Posters-9

The Purpose of Fairytales: A Cultural Perspective

2011-08-16T10:50:00.000+02:00

We have all grown up with fairy tales and the lessons in these tales have (for the most part) not been lost on us. Little Red Riding Hood taught us not to trust strangers while Goldilocks taught us that housebreaking is a potentially dangerous career option. But what is the origin of these tales and were they created with the aim of warning children (and possibly adults) against the perils that wait outside the relative safety of the home? I tend to think so.

When we look at the concept of oral tradition, we see that fairy tales originated as a form of the retelling of the histories of cultures. In ancient Greece, the retelling of their history was a mix between fact and mythology which was recited to the public. Homer was the most famous poet of the time and his poems – such as the Odyssey – are still read today. These poems can be seen as the predecessors of our fairy tales, histories, folklore, ect. The Odyssey is one example which points to underlying lessons within the stories reproduced, such as “Don’t anger the gods”. In the fairy tales we know today, lessons within the stories become apparent as well.

When you start to research the origins fairy tales, you realise that these stories were not originally meant for children. Most of them are gruesome and very dark – which most kids would enjoy anyway – but with time some stories came to be tamed and the lessons were still of importance, so adults told these stories to their children.

I also believe that the fairy tales of old had another objective – to me it seems that fairy tales (like modern urban legends) reflects the society in which it originates. In some cultures, incest was quite rife among the “lower classes” which is clearly reflected in the original version of Sleeping Beauty.

In this version, it was prophesized that the princess will fall into a deep slumber. While the princess was in this state, the king rapes his daughter and she falls pregnant with twins. It is only when one of the children suckles her finger that she awakes to find herself in that situation. Perhaps the story served as a justification for what happened within these “lower classes” – after all, if the king does it, then there is nothing wrong with his subjects following suit.

Fairy tales have a rich history, a lesson to learn and enough underlying violence to keep the whole family entertained. Think on this the next time you are looking for something to read.

Blessings,

Mel

Sources:

http://listverse.com/2009/01/06/9-gruesome-fairy-tale-origins/

Featured Image:

The Sleeping Beauty

The Hon. John Collier

Oil on canvas

1921

111.7 x 142.2cm

http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=5089478

Death and Culture

2011-08-04T07:32:00.000+02:00

We have recently experienced the death of two family members and while it has obviously been a sad and emotionally draining experience, it did make me wonder about the different cultural reactions to death. This might seem like quite a grim subject matter, but death inherently forms part of life and the way we decide to honour the departed says a great deal about our upbringing and our cultural influences. The experience of grief is obviously quite similar in all cultures – while we might have different cultural influences, we are all human.

The rituals involved in honouring our dead are of great importance, and by rituals I mean some form of honouring the deceased and the interment of the remains. While most of these rituals have more or less the same basis, the differences we see are the aspects of these rituals that highlight the deceased and his/her loved one’s cultures.

I have always felt that the rituals of honouring our dead are a very important aspect of the grieving process. Firstly it helps the loved ones of the deceased to accept the loss and say their final goodbyes while secondly it is a last celebration of somebody’s life, a final mark that person leaves on this earth.

Burial methods also have a direct cultural influence and oddly enough, tend to change according to fashion, especially in Western cultures. This is based on a direct observation I made last year at a relative’s funeral. As you moved from the older graves on to the more recent grave sites (with the exception of people who reserved these sites long before burial), you see a definite trend from the one section to the next. One section would be mostly tree-stump gravestones, the next would be crosses and so on.

Death is one of the few certainties in this life and we all have to cope with it at some point or another, just remember that when a loved one does pass away, the way you handle the rituals of that death will be very important. A funeral is after all a celebration of someone’s life that has passed.

Blessings,

Mel

Featured Image:

Old Man in Sorrow

Vincent Van Gogh

Oil on Canvas

1890

http://www.vangoghgallery.com/catalog/Painting/340/Old-Man-in-Sorrow-%28On-the-Threshold-of-Eternity%29.html

Aesthetic: What does it mean?

2011-07-21T10:29:00.000+02:00

The concept of aesthetic is a very difficult one to define and yet it is a word often heard within the art world. It is usually said that an artwork can be called beautiful based on the merits of its aesthetic value. But what is aesthetic exactly?

When I get stuck on a term, I generally start my investigation with a dictionary – where else? According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary (and a couple of others I referenced as well), aesthetic refers to “…pleasing in appearance…responsive to or appreciative of what is pleasurable to the senses…”* Granted, these explanations are very vague in the sense that they refer to a more subjective and even emotional response to whatever is being viewed, but it is a start to understanding the term.

The Ancient Greeks saw aesthetic as the stimulation of the five senses, but the word as we know it today is actually a philosophical term with a new meaning which was coined in the 18^th century by Alexander Baumgarten. Baumgarten redefined aesthetic based on the idea of taste, thus connecting good taste with beautiful things. This in turn started the philosophical debate of aesthetics and taste – a debate which rages on until this day.

I have previously stated my opinion of what I think is “good art”** (if you like it, it is good art in your eyes which is all that matters for you as the viewer personally) but on a more formal or academic level, good taste is based on everything from mathematical equations to the impact an artwork has. What is definite is that the investigation of the term aesthetic has increasingly placed its focus on art.

My opinion is that in order to develop good taste, it is necessary to expose yourself to as much artistic and cultural stimuli as possible – whether it is through books, the internet or exhibitions, shows, talks and whatever else you can find. The more you are exposed to something, the more knowledgeable you will be about the subject and thus you will be able to make informed decisions about what could be considered to have aesthetic value.

I will revisit aesthetics again from a more technical perspective in the future, so keep reading– and enjoy the experience of discovering art and culture.

Blessings,

Mel

* I quoted the phrases most helpful in this particular case.

** Which is inevitably linked to good taste.

Sources:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aesthetic

http://www.iep.utm.edu/aestheti/

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aesthetic-concept/

Featured Image:

Waterlilies, Green Reflection, Left Part

Claude Monet

Oil on Canvas

1916 - 1923

http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/monet/waterlilies/

Artist Interview: Pierre Knobel

2011-07-07T09:57:00.000+02:00

Pierre Knobel inspires me. I have known him for quite some time and I even have one of his landscapes hanging right next to my desk. His attitude towards life is inspiring and his work diverse and beautiful. Here is the interview I conducted with him a couple of weeks ago*… Enjoy!

How long have you been a practicing artist?

Since I was a child, I also had art as a subject at school until Matric after which I studied art at the Pretoria Technicon. My first exhibition was in 1984 in Johannesburg were I did miniature and micro miniature watercolour landscapes. I’ve had about 25 exhibitions since then – two of which were in the Bank Towers foyer in Perth, Western Australia.

I also had works in the Una Van Hall Art Gallery in Perth and donated every year for 5 years a painting on an auction to the Cambodia children’s project. I was chosen to present South Africa in 1994 in a one man exhibition at the Admirer Gallery in Sophia.

What about other exhibitions?

Most of my Exhibitions were at private houses or at venues. In 2001 I was asked to exhibit with other Artists at the opening of the Voyer Gallery for Modern Art in Brooklyn, Pretoria. In 2005 I was invited to exhibit my works with other Artists at the opening of the Gallery for Modern Art in Port Alfred.

In 2010 I had an exhibition in Cape Town were some of my works are now in the Art Gallery in Riebeeck Stad. I have works which are exhibited at the moment in the Chris Tugwell Gallery in Brooklyn, Pretoria and I am planning an exhibition with 2 new Artists in September in Pretoria this year.

Why did you become an artist?

It is in my blood and it is my passion. My late Mother was an artist and my Father’s Mother was very artistic.

Tell us about your work – what is it about and how would you describe your style?

I paint in 5 different styles:

South African landscapes:

It is said that my landscapes have the feel of Pierneef although I never tried to paint like him. The works are mostly of the Western Transvaal where I grew up. The style is Expressionistic and very colourful. I also do landscapes in the Impressionistic style. All landscapes are done in Acrylic.

Still lives:

Mostly of Tulips and St Joseph Lilies. The style is Realistic with a hint of Surrealism. All paintings are done in Acrylic.

Rock Art:

This style had its debut in Sophia. It is Koi Art (Bushman drawings on rock) were I sometimes combine it with Modern Art. I also do landscapes on a rock texture. Paintings are done in gesso for relief work and Acrylic.

Modern Art:

This style includes Optical Art that changes when the light falls on it during the night. Paintings are done in Acrylic and in oil, depending on style.

Tree of life:

This style is done in stained glass effect with very bright colours. One of them, titled No.13 can be viewed at the Chris Tugwell Gallery in Brooklyn Pretoria. I also paint landscapes in a stained glass effect. These paintings are done in Acrylic.

What inspires you – as an artist and as a person?

Life with all its varieties of form and colour.

How do you stay motivated?

My different styles, depending on my mood.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Paint from your heart and your soul. Don't try and paint something that people might like. Stay true to what you want to express. Never try and copy another Artist's style.

If you want to see more of Pierre’s art, you can view it on Facebook under the name Pierre Knobel Artist. He also gives art lessons at his studio (and home) in Pretoria East. For more information, email Pierre at swiss380@gmail.com.

Blessings,

Mel

*I couldn’t possibly feature all the images of Pierre’s work in this post, but I will feature more of them in future posts.

When it is too cold to go outside…

2011-06-30T16:11:00.000+02:00

It’s a running joke that you know you are a South African when you consider anything under 16°C to be Arctic weather – very funny but also true. The Southern tip of Africa is freezing and the natives* are hiding in their blanket caves.

The complaints from most people are all the same: “It’s too cold, I can’t get anything done!” I can only assume the same then goes for going out in the cold and attending an exhibition, but don’t feel bad about it though – I know I’m not abandoning my blanket anytime soon. So, in the spirit of staying warm I have decided to find an alternative artistic and cultural endeavour for my freezing South African readers.

The following sites should help you get your weekly dose of artistic and cultural kicks while we wait for things to heat up in our hemisphere, so enjoy! **

1. http://www.fineartportfolio.co.za/

Fine Art Portfolio features many established South African artists and galleries and the viewer is able to browse through more than five thousand individual artworks, each of them priced and available for purchase (which is nice if you want to know what an artwork costs these days). Even though you can buy artworks from this site, seeing what is out there and reading the featured articles is well worth the click.

I have one problem though, it obviously only features the artists whose works are sold by the site and that means some of my favourite South African artists aren’t covered.

2. http://www.art.co.za/

Art.co.za is pure gold for anyone interested in South African art. The site features a wide variety of artists, a list of galleries and a list of available art classes for those interested. The best part is that the site also lists exhibitions taking place all over the country. I find it quite user-friendly and each artist’s profile features a bio and images of their work.

3. http://www.safarinow.com/cms/south-african-world-heritage-sites/irie.aspx

This site features the World Heritage sites in South Africa as stipulated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). It is just one page but as a South African I was pleased to see the places where I have been as well as the places I still want to go. An interesting quick read.

There are many more interesting websites out there, but I will leave you with these three for now. Also keep an eye out next week when I interview South African artist Pierre Knobel.

Blessings,

Mel

*All South Africans.

** As for my readers in warmer climates, take a look and bookmark them for when it's too cold to do anything except cuddle up under a blanket in front of your PC.

Featured image:

Winter Street Walk

Alison Butterworth

Acrylic on canvas

455mm X 355mm

http://www.alisonbutterworth.co.za/alison_butterworth_south_african_fine_artist_contact.html

An Introduction To Culture…

2011-06-23T18:45:00.000+02:00

I have noticed something... Whenever I want to ‘channel’ my inner historian and critic, all I have to do is go to a public place – which is strange for me seeing that I’m not fond of crowds. I have realised that the reason for this sudden surge of inspiration is simply that when I am surrounded by people, I am obviously surrounded by cultures.

For me, culture is the way of life for individuals within a society – it encompasses things like our language, our actions, the way we interact with each other and so on. The way we are raised and that which we observe within our societies, influences what we do, and even the way we think and interpret everything around us. Culture is the glue that binds a society together.

Anything that forms part of our culture will inevitably influence what we are good at and not – it all comes down to what we are exposed to. In my own case, I am generally more adept at interpreting art because I was raised in a home where we were exposed to fine art and other artistic endeavours.

A society’s culture can also influence their advancement. If a certain culture encourages academic advancement for instance, that society will produce more academics* than another society which doesn’t encourage it. And if a society prohibits the use of technology, that society will obviously not advance technologically. It is important to note however, that just because your cultural surroundings originally excluded you from certain things, doesn’t mean you cannot expose yourself to it now. After all, by expanding your own horizons, you influence those around you and thus you start to enhance your own culture.

Art and culture has always had a symbiotic relationship – the one influences the other and both help each other to grow and improve. The Renaissance is a perfect example of this: not only was the Renaissance an era of great artistic endeavours, but it was a time of cultural development as well. For the development of both art and culture, it is thus very important that both not only positively influence each other, but that they also encourage each other’s development.

John F. Kennedy said: “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.” I couldn’t agree more. The day that art is hindered as a result of “cultural reasons”, I think that society will be on its way to a dramatic fall.

Blessings,

Mel

* As well as philosophers (thinkers) – these people have a great influence on the advancement within a society.

Image:

http://trendland.net/2009/09/18/marie-claude-marquis-paintings/#

Understanding Art: The Basics*

2011-06-03T08:38:00.000+02:00

I have been told on numerous occasions (by family, friends and even random strangers) that they cannot understand art. I suppose then it would be my responsibility to tell you what art is? Think again…

Defining art is a rookie mistake and a pit you cannot dig yourself out of again. The problem with defining art is that I find it to be a completely subjective experience. What one person sees (and the subsequent reaction to that) can be completely different to the next person’s experience. If you cannot completely define art, how exactly do you know what is good art? Luckily, I have a few tips for you…

Do you like what you see?

I have met and know a few connoisseurs of the finer things in life, and we would eat, drink, debate and discuss – and so I happened to spend one New Year with friends and the owner of a marvelous restaurant in Pretoria. This man has amassed a lifetime's knowledge on food and wine so I asked him what he would say is the prerequisite for a good wine. His answer? If it tastes good, it probably is.

The funny thing is that it was not the first time I have heard this theory and it got me thinking…If that is the opinion of wine, why not art? I personally put this theory to the test and I realised that most things I found appealing were labeled as "good art".

Here is my little tidbit of advice then: if you like it, then it is good art in your opinion, so enjoy it! **

Don't just blindly follow what other people say

Think for yourself. Look at the artwork and think about it. What do you see? Does it invoke an emotional response from you? What is that response? Is there a story? (If there isn't, that's fine as well). Do you like it? Why? And so on...

When u open your mind a bit and really start thinking about it, viewing art can be an exhilarating experience – it can even make your heart beat faster at times.

Enjoy the experience

John Lennon said that life is what happens while you are making other plans. This is so true – when you have a bus load of things to do, why would you want to spend time looking at paintings you think you might not understand? Do not approach it from that perspective though – rather see it as an opportunity to enjoy a new experience, to learn new things.

Consider these three tips before you deny yourself the experience of viewing art next time.

Blessings,

Mel

*Please note that this post is not advice on buying art as an investment (which I will get to at some point) but a loose guide to appreciating art.

**A raging debate can ensue as to the validity of my observations and theories as well as how "taste" and "style" develops, and if you want to discuss this for the next five years, email me and we can talk about it - but please don't make my other reader's heads spin just yet ;)

Featured image:

Count Ludovic Lepic and Ladies viewing and exhibition

Julius LeBlanc Stewart

1888 (?)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_LeBlanc_Stewart

A short introduction...

2011-05-29T17:01:00.000+02:00

After gathering the courage to start a blog based on my views and opinions of art and culture, I found myself staring blankly at my laptop. For the first time in a long time, I had nothing to say (possibly to the delight of my loved ones) and the feeling was new to me. But I pushed through the shyness and decided to share a brief history of my love for art and culture.

Let me clarify one thing, I am an observer, a historian and a critic (which can sometimes be viewed as the same thing, depending on your opinion). I am not an artist – anymore than all of us intrinsically are.

My Dad’s uncle was the South African impressionist Adriaan Boshoff (http://www.adlou.co.za/Artists/adriaan_boshoff.html) and his passion and work played no small part in nurturing my love for art. His daughter was also kind enough to give me a part-time job at her gallery when I was still trying to figure out what to do with my life – it was a life-changing experience: I learned to think, observe and enjoy and I even learned to live a bit more than I used to – for all that I will forever be grateful. I have had many more encounters with artists and galleries after that and to this day, but that is a story for another time.

My interest in culture developed recently: I started studying classical cultures (along with art history) and since then my eyes have opened to the understanding a person develops as a result of studying cultures. Obviously, the art and culture of a people develops together and that makes it an interesting and diverse subject. It also happens to be an intoxicating and addictive subject.

I will elaborate on the terms art and culture at a later stage, as well as the complex relationship between these two terms. For now, try not to be too academically harsh. I also find it prudent to give any present and future readers two small pieces of advice for surviving my opinions (and perhaps life in general):

1. Keeping an open mind will do you more good than harm and;

2. Beauty truly is in the eyes of the beholder.

Blessings,

Mel

Art and Culture According to Mel

Art Honouring Love...

Artist Interview: Brent Black

Special Announcement

Update on Artist Kyle Goulden...

Artist Interview: Barry Greenland

Pain & Art...

Newsletter

Freedom of Speech & Democracy

Superstition and Culture

A Brief Cultural Look at Halloween...

Bubble Bubble, Toil 'n Trouble...

Artist Interview: Kyle Goulden

Taking a breath...

Public Art: Street Art

Public Art: Graffiti

Public Art: Shopping Malls and Corporate Art

Public Art

The Purpose of Fairytales: A Cultural Perspective

Death and Culture

Aesthetic: What does it mean?

Artist Interview: Pierre Knobel

When it is too cold to go outside…

An Introduction To Culture…

Understanding Art: The Basics*

A short introduction...