Week 2 Discussion 1.,WELL VERIFIED.

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Initial Post Instructions Select any work of art from one of the chapters we have read so far (Ch. 1-4) and write a response that analyzes the art through the lens of a descriptive critic, an interpr ... etive critic, and an evaluative critic. What different things would these critics have to say? Use the following guidelines: • Descriptive Critic: Address at least 3 different elements of art and/or principles of design. • Interpretive Critic: This will require research so that you can understand the subject, meaning, and intent of the work. • Evaluative Critic: Use the standards of perfection, insight, and inexhaustibility (as described in the text). I have chosen one of my favorite pieces of art that I actually have a copy of hanging in my basement. Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura), also known as The Great Wave, was created by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai between 1830-1832 as a part of a series of prints titled Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji. The series was made up of multiple prints using Mount Fuji as the protagonist in each scene either from afar or up close, in various weather conditions, and from all types of directions (The Art Institute of Chicago, 2019). In The Great Wave print, Mount Fuji is viewed from a distance under the crest of a giant wave that is about to embark upon three fishing boats. Descriptive Critic: When looking it the famous print, it is clear to see that there are many different elements of art and principles of design present. Proportion, perspective, lines, texture, emphasis, colors and more are used together to form this unique and breathtaking image. The most prevalent part of this image is the use of proportion and perspective use of the wave as in relation to Mount Fuji. The mountain is made tiny in the use of perspective which makes the proportion of the wave almost appear as if the mountain is going to be swallowed up by the wave (Harris, 2015). This large proportion of the wave along with the curvaceous lines at the top of the wave provide emphasis onto the center of the image where Mount Fuji is placed. The sharp lines provide texture to the roughness of the waters and amplify the danger of the waves. The use of color seems minimal with no use of reds or aggressive colors but the dominance of cool colors of dark blues creating a dark theme with the stark contrast of white at the tips of the wave diverting your eyes towards the center of the image (Gaber, 2017). Overall, the use of these elements and principles of art create an image symbolizing the strong power of nature along with the beauty and unpredictability of it. Interpretive critic: Katsushika Hokusai was a man that had made many pieces of art in his lifetime. By the time he made The Great Wave, he was already over 70-years-old at the time. Much of his life was spent within the Japanese borders overlooking Mount Fuji. There have been many interpretations as to the symbolism behind the iconic print, but I find that combining the current situation of Japan during the prints and the symbolism of immortality can make some sense into the importance of the print. Hokusai, along with many others in japan, related Mount Fuji as a symbol of immortality with an inescapable connection as the soul of Japan (Nigro, n.d.). Around this time, Japan was still fairly closed off from other parts of the world but was recently introduced to the western culture which faced an uncertain future for an isolated culture. The great wave and sea now represents the medium through which Japan will encounter the world and Mount Fuji is the metaphor for the Japanese culture to which are no longer a means of escape since the outside world will not come from there. “It seems about to crash over Mount Fuji, and even the very tips of the wave appear like hands seeking an overpowering grip. But it doesn't, and in that frozen uncertainty Hokusai is mirroring the uncertainty in Japan… Hokusai has given us the sea as land, taken away the idea of mountain as refuge, rendered Fuji as a background element on the brink of obliteration, and yet it is still there” (Nigro, n.d.). The symbolism represents the power of change but represents that while it may appear dangerous and frightening, it will transform and survive. Evaluative Critic: When it comes to the three standards of evaluative criticism, this piece is a great example and is considered one of the most iconic pieces of Japanese art. In fact, The Great Wave was inspiration for many other artists. Van Gogh collected Japanese prints and had written to his brother in a letter about his own fascination with The Great Wave print (Brown, 2018). It is clear to see why this piece is substantially superior to other works when looking at the detail and meaning behind the work. The piece is absolutely mesmerizing which creates an overwhelming sense of beauty and power that is not easy to depict in an image. [Show More]

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