Glossary
Abstract Expressionism
A post-World War II art movement, primarily American, characterized by large-scale, non-representational paintings that emphasize spontaneous, energetic application of paint.
Example:
Jackson Pollock's drip paintings are iconic examples of Abstract Expressionism, focusing on the process of creation and emotional expression rather than recognizable forms.
Abstraction
An artistic approach that departs from realistic representation, instead using forms, colors, and textures to create a non-representational or simplified image.
Example:
Piet Mondrian's grid paintings are prime examples of abstraction, reducing visual reality to fundamental geometric shapes and primary colors.
Analysis (vs. Describing)
The process of explaining *why* an artwork matters and how its elements contribute to its meaning, rather than simply stating *what* is visible.
Example:
Instead of merely describing the colors in a painting, an effective analysis would explain how those colors evoke a particular mood or symbolize a concept.
Androgyne III
A sculpture by Magdalena Abakanowicz from 1985, depicting an abstract, humanoid figure made from rough, organic materials like burlap and resin.
Example:
The hollowed-out form and textured surface of Androgyne III evoke a profound sense of human vulnerability and resilience.
Architectural and Urban Themes
Artistic subjects that explore the design, structure, and social implications of buildings, cities, and built environments.
Example:
Mehretu's work often incorporates architectural and urban themes, reflecting the complex structures and dynamic energy of global cities.
Art Historical Terms (Specific Vocabulary)
Precise language used to discuss art, its forms, periods, and concepts, essential for clear and accurate communication in art history.
Example:
Using art historical terms like 'chiaroscuro' or 'contrapposto' demonstrates a deeper understanding than general descriptive language.
Context (Historical and Cultural)
The surrounding circumstances, events, and societal values that influence the creation and interpretation of an artwork.
Example:
Understanding the context (historical and cultural) of Picasso's 'Guernica' – the Spanish Civil War – is essential to grasping its powerful anti-war message.
Cultural Appropriation
The adoption or use of elements of a minority culture by members of the dominant culture, often without understanding or respecting the original context or significance.
Example:
Artists sometimes use their work to critique instances of cultural appropriation, highlighting how certain symbols or practices are taken out of their original context.
Dancing at the Louvre
A story quilt by Faith Ringgold from 1991, which combines traditional quilting with painted narratives to depict people dancing in front of the Louvre Museum.
Example:
Through Dancing at the Louvre, Ringgold challenges the traditional art canon by inserting Black figures and a vibrant narrative into a historically white, European space.
Electronic Media
Artistic materials and technologies that rely on electronic components, such as video, sound, digital art, and interactive installations.
Example:
Artists working with electronic media often explore the impact of technology on communication, perception, and the human experience.
Electronic Superhighway
A large-scale video installation by Nam June Paik from 1995, composed of multiple monitors and neon lighting, representing a future world dominated by technology and the internet.
Example:
The glowing map of the United States in Electronic Superhighway vividly illustrates the artist's vision of a world interconnected by digital information.
Faith Ringgold
An American artist known for her story quilts, which combine painting, quilting, and storytelling to explore social and political issues, particularly concerning African American identity and representation.
Example:
Faith Ringgold's innovative use of the quilt medium allowed her to weave together personal narratives with broader historical and cultural critiques.
Fragility and Resilience
Themes often explored in art that address the delicate, vulnerable nature of existence alongside the capacity to recover or adapt from difficulties.
Example:
Abakanowicz's use of burlap in 'Androgyne III' powerfully conveys themes of human fragility and resilience, as the rough material suggests both vulnerability and endurance.
Global Contemporary Art
Art produced from the late 20th century to the present day, characterized by a diverse mix of styles, mediums, and techniques that often challenge traditional art forms.
Example:
When studying Global Contemporary Art, one might encounter works that incorporate digital media or performance art, reflecting the rapid technological and social shifts of our time.
Graffiti-style Mark-making
An artistic technique characterized by spontaneous, often raw and energetic lines, symbols, and text, inspired by urban street art.
Example:
Basquiat's distinctive graffiti-style mark-making gives his paintings a raw, immediate quality, connecting them to street culture and urban expression.
Horn Players
An artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat from 1983, featuring two black figures playing horns with bold lines and vibrant colors, set against a chaotic, layered background.
Example:
The raw energy and layered symbolism in Horn Players make it a quintessential example of Basquiat's commentary on identity and societal issues.
Identity
A recurring theme in art that explores personal, cultural, social, or national self-conception, often addressing issues of race, gender, and belonging.
Example:
Frida Kahlo's self-portraits are powerful explorations of her personal and cultural identity, reflecting her Mexican heritage and physical struggles.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
An American artist known for his neo-expressionist works that blend personal and cultural references, often incorporating graffiti-style mark-making to comment on contemporary society.
Example:
Jean-Michel Basquiat's unique visual language, seen in pieces like 'Untitled (Skull),' often explored themes of race, class, and urban life.
Julie Mehretu
An Ethiopian-American artist known for her large-scale abstract paintings that explore themes of architecture, urban planning, history, and globalized networks through layered forms and lines.
Example:
Julie Mehretu's intricate compositions often resemble architectural blueprints or maps, reflecting the complexities of modern cities and societies.
Layering
An artistic technique involving the application of multiple translucent or opaque strata of material, forms, or ideas to create depth, complexity, or a sense of accumulation.
Example:
Julie Mehretu's paintings are characterized by their intricate layering of lines, shapes, and architectural drawings, creating a dynamic sense of space and movement.
Magdalena Abakanowicz
A Polish sculptor and fiber artist recognized for her large-scale, organic-inspired forms, often exploring themes of the human condition, fragility, and resilience.
Example:
Magdalena Abakanowicz's 'Abakans' series, massive woven sculptures, transformed traditional fiber art into powerful, monumental statements.
Materials & Techniques
The specific substances used by an artist (materials) and the methods or skills employed in creating an artwork (techniques).
Example:
The materials & techniques of fresco painting, using pigment on wet plaster, allowed Renaissance artists to create durable and vibrant wall murals.
Medium
The material or form used by an artist to create a work of art.
Example:
The choice of medium, whether oil paint, bronze, or video, significantly impacts the texture, appearance, and conceptual meaning of an artwork.
Nam June Paik
A Korean American artist considered the 'father of video art,' known for his pioneering use of television monitors and electronic media in large-scale installations.
Example:
Nam June Paik's groundbreaking work often explored the impact of technology on communication and culture, predicting the digital age.
Representation of African Americans in Museums
A critical theme addressing the historical exclusion or limited portrayal of African American artists and subjects within mainstream art institutions.
Example:
Faith Ringgold's 'Dancing at the Louvre' directly challenges the traditional representation of African Americans in museums by placing Black figures at the center of a revered European art space.
Social, Political, and Technological Changes
Broad themes that contemporary art often reflects, addressing shifts in societal structures, governmental policies, and advancements in technology.
Example:
Many contemporary artists create works that directly respond to social, political, and technological changes, such as climate change, civil rights movements, or the rise of artificial intelligence.
Stadia II
A large-scale painting by Julie Mehretu from 2004, featuring overlapping layers of abstract forms, symbols, and marks that evoke the energy and architecture of public spaces.
Example:
The dynamic lines and fragmented forms in Stadia II create a sense of explosive movement, reminiscent of a bustling stadium or a complex urban plan.
Story Quilt
A unique art form developed by Faith Ringgold, combining traditional quilting techniques with painted narratives to tell stories, often addressing historical or social issues.
Example:
Each panel of a story quilt by Faith Ringgold functions like a page in a book, inviting the viewer to follow a narrative woven into the fabric.
Themes
The underlying ideas, messages, or subjects explored within an artwork, often reflecting broader human experiences or societal concerns.
Example:
Common themes in art include love, death, power, nature, and identity, which artists explore through various visual narratives.
Video Installation
An art form that uses video technology as a primary medium, often involving multiple screens, projections, and a constructed environment to create an immersive experience.
Example:
Nam June Paik's 'Electronic Superhighway' is a monumental video installation that transforms a gallery space into a glowing, interconnected network of screens.