shock art now and then

• Shock Art is art that uses disturbing Shock Art is art that uses disturbing content it can include imagery, text, or content it can include imagery, text, or sound.sound.• The artist might be trying to make a Social The artist might be trying to make a Social Commentary and uses “shocking material” Commentary and uses “shocking material” to get the viewers attention.to get the viewers attention.• It is often something new or radical that is It is often something new or radical that is not immediately accepted as art.not immediately accepted as art.• Some say an artist can quickly attract Some say an artist can quickly attract attention and recognition by creating work attention and recognition by creating work that is shocking.that is shocking.

45. Sandro Botticelli. Birth of Venus. (1482) Tempera on canvas.

A) …it was revolutionary for its time because it is the first large scale secular & mythological painting – based on the Venus Pudica of antiquity.

B) …her nude body is a symbol of lust, although she covers her body she appears to be trying to seduce the viewer.

C) …Saturn used a sickle to castrate his father Uranius. He throws his genitals into the sea and from the foam Venus is born – this story was too graphic.

46. Edouard Manet. Olympia. (1863) Oil on canvas.

A) …because Manet included the image of a courtesan (prostitute) and her slave – they were considered inappropriate subject matter (women were usually shown in upper class portraits, or in historical, mythological, or Biblical scenes).

B) …because she is nude and NOT trying to cover herself (shows a lack of shame / modesty).

C) …because she is a woman making direct eye contact with the viewer (not polite / acceptable).

D) …because she is there for sex – inviting the viewer to participate.

47. Gottfried Helnwein. Epiphany I, II, III.

Epiphany I (Adoration of the Magi) (1996)

Epiphany II (Adoration of the Shepherds) (1998)

Epiphany III (Presentation at the Temple) (1998)

A) …because of the presence of Nazi officers (taken from propaganda posters)

B) …because the disfigured and the dead are featured.

C) … because the scenes appear to have religious undertones, but there is no actual religion involved.

D) …because of the painted approach that seems cold and impersonal – it makes the meaning of the works disturbing and ambiguous.