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Artist Statement
ABSTRACT ART & HOW TO READ IT
was curated by JSU Student, Nathan Young.
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What is Abstract Art?
Abstract art uses visual elements like shape, color, form, line, and texture to create an image that is not naturalistically structured. There are numerous types of abstract art, but two of the major types are Cubism/Surrealism and Color Field.
How to View and Understand Abstract Art?
The main goal of abstract art is not to convey one specific thematic point but to promote individuality, creativity, and to evoke emotion. Instead of observing one specific part, this type of art is meant to be examined in its entirety.
Cubism and Surrealism:
Cubism and Surrealism first made their appearance in the early 1900s. Cubism is defined as bringing objects together in a painting in a way that makes them look fragmented. Pablo Picasso was the primary forerunner of the Cubist style.
Surrealism is defined by unique representations of life that are almost dreamlike. Salvador Dalí was the primary advocate for the Surrealist style. The two styles are connected because both offer a new interpretation of reality.
Color Field:
The color field art style emerged in the 1940s. This style is defined by flat colors covering much of the painting. The purpose is to focus on how colors make the individual feel rather than focusing on how colors create depth. Forerunners for this style include Frank Stella, Jack Roth, and Kenneth Noland.
Artist Statement
Contemporary Feminist Art and Ekphrastic Poetry
was curated by JSU Student, Abbie Tarvin.
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What is Ekphrastic Poetry?
The term “ekphrastic” is a Greek word meaning description. An ekphrastic poem is a detailed description and interpretation of a piece of art, mostly paintings. Ekphrasis is specific to artworks and differs from its counterpart known as an after-poem. After-poems are a work inspired by literature or film.
How to Interpret Ekphrastic Poetry:
There are three elements to consider when interpreting an ekphrastic poem. These elements include the interpretation of the artwork, the perspective of the character(s) or speaker(s), and the background details.
Typically, these poems will include descriptive details about an element within the artwork, delivered through the perspective of the speaker. Ekphrastic poets will also often try to put the meaning of the artwork within the lines of poetry. The main point of these poems is to analyze and highlight the artwork itself.
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Contemporary Feminist Art:
Feminist art has been prominent in our society since the late 1960s and is continuously evolving. The goal of feminist art has stayed the same—to highlight the differences and obstacles women face in society in hopes of gaining liberation and positive change.
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Contemporary artists have transformed the way that feminist art is portrayed. Identity is now more fluid, and intersectional feminism has overtaken the “white feminist” narrative that used to dominate the movement.