The Snake Charmer- Jean-Leon Gerome

Gerome's The Snake Charmer is a beautiful example of orientalism. Displaying a different aspect of life to Europeans, it conveys a unique and foreign culture. It mixes a variety of cultures and has tremendous detail; almost photographic like. It uses a beautiful shade of blue with a well developed composition.

The moment I saw this piece, it captivated me. The blue, arabesque covered wall is absolutely beautiful and the subject of the boy with the snake is very intriguing. The concept of a nude boy with the snake and men looking at him seems fairly erotic to me however, the scene itself seems so calm and tranquil. It's a beautiful  and foreign piece, which I find fascinating.

I really love arabesque and the clarity and detail of the piece in general simply leaves me in awe. 

Landscape- Bunsei

Bunsei's Landscape is a simple yet eloquent piece which I truly think, captures the essence of tranquility. In a culture based around the ideals of Zen Buddism and brevity, the element of space is used often as a means to not create clutter and keep the piece calm. I love this. I love simplicity and the use of little to convey exactly your intent.

Everything about this piece is simple; from the mediums to the drawings themselves. There are no extremely elaborate patterns, designs, details; just what is necessary to convey the artist's intention. He gives the perception of depth through space and simple use of value and size. The foreground is dark and larger in size while the background somewhat dissipates into nothing and sits misty along the top.

I honestly just want to walk into the piece and find myself in a calming, misty world along that coast; to meditate and escape into the state of mind where simply being is fine.

However, before I drift too far from reality...Along my travels I discovered this photographer, George Seeley, whose work, although sometimes more abstract, reminded me of this landscape and the ideals of brevity. The shots are of actual places however because of how he shot them they become somewhat abstract. They have this idea of a depth, simplicity, and dissipating shapes which I think in it's own way captures a form of strange brevity. Also, they're in black and white.

Also, George Seeley himself was inspired and loved Japanese paintings

Last Judgment- Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo's "Last Judgment" is a stunning piece of work. It's elaborate, captivating, incredibly extensive, and more than that, astounding despite the fact that he didn't want to do it. I love the message and graphic intent the piece holds; it's hopeful yet daunting. His attention to detail is spectacular and everything within it  conveys another story and element to the overall work; the more you look at it, the more you find to observe and admire.

In my opinion, it's unfortunate that they had clothes painted on them, despite how colorful the piece is because of it, which I can appreciate. Michelangelo painted them nude, and I think if that's how he painted them, that's how they should stay. However, I understand the reason. o.o...

Nowadays, such a massive piece with multiple elements would be considered or compared to as a mural. It embodies color, multiple characters, and tells a "story" of some sort. 

"Last Judgment", portrays a beautiful representation of what awaits us in the after life according to Christian beliefs, and is a truly remarkable piece. 

Intaglio- Demons Tormenting St. Anthony

Despite how interesting unicorns are, I decided to respond to Schongauer's Demons Tormenting St. Anthony. 

The first thing that captivated me about this piece was the exquisite attention to detail and how much it resembles a graphite piece. It really does look like it was hand drawn, and a well drawn piece at that, and what makes it more amazing is that it's not; it's actually an intaglio print...which means it was etched into metal...which is Crazy! 

On top of that, the piece is just awesome. I mean a swirling, demon vortex...Yeah. No, but seriously, it is very intriguing and it's symbolism is clear. I think everyone can relate to having demons and the feeling of being surrounded by them. This piece perfectly displays one's (St. Anthony's) consumptions, and at the same time (less relatable), the lack of fear for them. For St. Anthony looks unbothered by these monsters which pull at him; he actually looks quite calm. So, what I come away with from this piece is to not be afraid...to be strong among moments of anguish and troubling thoughts. Never surrender.  

Because hey, there's still pandas ^_^

I Simply Must Tell You...

One of my favorite artists: James Jean

Lotus War (Color) : Digital and Ink on Silk

Hello There

Well, here goes nothing. I've never blogged before and I never really thought about ever really starting, but it seems pretty fun. Hope this works out. ^_^