Project 3: Language
Posted by mcoyne on November 7, 2011
Painting on the Theme of Language
Deadline: Tuesday, November 29
“Words have appeared in visual art since classical times, but until the modern era their use was generally restricted to a few specific functions. In the early twentieth century, the Cubists Braque and Picasso began using words in their paintings and collages in entirely new ways, and their innovation was quickly adopted by other artists. Words, phrases, and sentences were subsequently used by visual artists for a variety of purposes — to refer to popular culture, to pose verbal puzzles, to engage with philosophy and semiotics, and for political and social commentary. Throughout the century, the use of language in visual art was dominated by conceptual artists, and the increasing role of language over time was symptomatic of the fact that visual art was progressively intended less as an aesthetic product, to be looked at, and increasingly as an intellectual activity, to be read.”
From: Language in Visual Art: The Twentieth Century by David Galenson
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Read the chapter in our text on Language. Consider what you’ve read, making notes to record your own ideas, and reflect on the examples by other artists the text provides. Do some brainstorming and idea generation along with some preparatory sketches. Begin painting as soon as possible. Consider how you can make a meaningful contribution to the ‘conversation’ about language within a visual arts context.
Size: No restriction
Medium: No restriction
