Final Project in Art 102West Los Angeles College

Kevin PhanExhibition:

Texture

Theme:Theme:1. The usage of texture helps create 1. The usage of texture helps create

and establish an overall and establish an overall mood/atmosphere.mood/atmosphere.

2. Each following composition will 2. Each following composition will reveal a universal nature of humanity.reveal a universal nature of humanity.

3. In this exhibition, each artist’s usage 3. In this exhibition, each artist’s usage of texture further bolsters the reality of texture further bolsters the reality and/or heightens the mysticism of and/or heightens the mysticism of their composition.their composition.

Andrea Mantegna, Dead Christ, c. 1500. Tempura on canvas; 67.9 x 81.0 cm

2. Death is an inevitable and universal part of human nature.

1. The itchy texture of the uncomfortable rectangular bed, the wrinkled skin of the two old onlookers, and the humid and wet feel of the drapery and body creates an overall mood that is haunting.

3. The reality of death is bolstered by Mantegna’s usage of uncomfortable textures.

Composition’s relation to time period: Linear perspective, developed by Brunelleschi in the 15th century, can be seen used in this Early

Renaissance composition.

Raphael, Madonna of the Meadow, 1505.Oil on panel; 1.13 x 0.87 m

1. The smoothness of the three figures’ luminous skin, the soft texture of the grass, bushes, and trees, and the creamy feel of the weightless clouds creates an overall mood that is innocent and playful.2. The depiction of peace and happiness are two of the most universal feelings present in human nature.

3. The innocent textures in the composition create a sense of lustrous mysticism.

Composition’s relation to time period: Raphael has a distinct style from other High Renaissance artists, such as Michelangelo, that is

harmonious and calm rather than anxious and contorted.

Peter Paul Rubens, Raising of the Cross, 1609.Oil on wood; 4.62 x 3.30 m

1. The bulkiness of each masculine body, the rough texture of the splintered cross, and the dry feel of the withering trees creates an overall mood that is shocking and brutal.2. Struggle and conflict are inevitable happenings in the nature of human beings.3. The accentuated textures help to bolster the artwork’s reality, which conflicts with the actual spiritual and religious event that is taking place.

Composition’s relation to time period: Rubens’ composition about Jesus and the Cross is a clear indication of the Catholic Church’s power

as the primary patron for the arts during the Baroque era.

Caspar David Friedrich, Two Men Contemplating the Moon,1819, Oil on canvas; 35.0 x 44.5 cm

1. The jaggedness of the sharp branches, the hazy quality of the hills and sky, and the drooping feel of the tree’s leaves creates an overall mood of sublime terror.2. Dark, secretive fear is an undeniable aspect of human nature.3. The eerie textures in this composition heighten the mystical qualities of the uncanny.Composition’s relation to time period: The Romantic period was an era

that saw the illustration of vehement passion. Terror and danger, as can be seen in this composition, were deemed the most powerful passions

according to Burke’s theory on the Sublime (1757).

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Moulin de la Galette, 1876. Oil on canvas; 1.31 x 1.75 m

1. The soft feel of each wardrobe article, the fluid textures of the ground and scenery, and the velvety texture of the composition in its entirety creates an overall mood that is joyous and eventful.2. Celebration and socialization are all events that human beings take part of.3. The playful textures in this composition ironically heighten the seemingly mystical qualities of a realistic situation.

Composition’s relation to time period: Characteristic of the 19th century

Impressionism was a cropped view or a “slice of life,” such as depicted in Renoir’s

celebratory composition.

Umberto Boccioni, Unique Forms of Continuity in Space,

1913; Bronze; 111,2 x 88.5 x 40.0 cm

1. The masculine feel of the accentuated muscles, the metallic texture of the entire sculpture, and the conflict of strong jagged edges on a smoothly formed bronze creates an overall mood that is powerful and bold.2. Eager determination is a strong and positive quality of human nature.

3. The edgy yet smooth textures in this composition bolster the magnified and abstract qualities of this sculpture.

Composition’s relation to time period: Characteristic of the 20th century style was Futurism, present in this modern, futuristic, and robotic depiction of a man striding passionately towards his goals.