Category Archives: Discussion Topics
Discussion Topic: Pollockâs Action Painting
The American Abstract Expressionist Jackson Pollock produced Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist), a prime example of Action Painting. This large canvas, nearly 7 x 10 feet, was painted on the ground using his infamous âdrip technique.â With carefully controlled movements, … Continue reading
Discussion Topic: Unpacking Picasso’s Les Demoiselles D’Avignon
Pablo Picassoâs Les Demoiselles DâAvignon is a masterpiece of western art in the collection at MoMA. Some have suggested Picassoâs painting is the most important work in Modern Art.  Picasso executed over a hundred sketches and preparatory studies before completing … Continue reading
Discussion Topic: Bling!
Rashaad Newsome’s work is quite interesting as he blends modern art and hip hop with Heraldry. Although it is something new and creative, personally it does not appeal to me. I could see where he coming from using hearldry combined with todays … Continue reading
Discussion Topic: Impossible Exhibitions, The Caravaggio Show
In Italy, there is a trend to launch âImpossible Exhibitionsâ for renowned artists, such as Raphael, Leonard, and Caravaggio. In these exhibitions, all the works of art produced by one artist are assembled together in a museum setting. Unfortunately, it … Continue reading
Discussion Topic: Bling! Rashaad Newsomeâs Heraldry
This week you will explore the work of contemporary artist Rashaad Newsome who mixes earlier art with popular culture. Read a recent New York Times article about Newsome and watch some videos about him, including one produced by the artist. … Continue reading
Discussion Topic: Virtual Michelangelo
Michelangelo painted the Sistine Ceiling in four years, 1508-1512. Read below an excerpt of Michelangeloâs biography by Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574), the first art historian.  Visit the Sistine Chapel with the modern art historians of SmartHistory.org in Second Life, a virtual … Continue reading
Discussion Topic: Masaccioâs Illusionism
With the help of his friend Filippo Brunelleschi, Masaccio is often identified as the first artist to apply theories of linear perspective to painting. His perspectival masterpiece is the Holy Trinity in the church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence. … Continue reading
Discussion Topic: A Medieval Monastery Rises in the 21st-century
This week you will explore a plan from the 9th century for a monastery. The St. Gall monastery plan incorporated a vision of an ideal monastic environment for monks who followed the Rule of St. Benedict. Consider the daily life … Continue reading
