Week 4- Damien Hirst and the diamond skull.

Discuss how Hirst's persona and work relate to the Renaissance concepts of Mercantillism and the (increased) status of the artist.

The work of Damien Hirst relates to the artist and the economic system of the renaissance period. Originally part of the YBA (young British artists) he led the movement of conceptual art in Britain in the early 90s.

The artists commonly used shock tactics and had fresh new ideas . Hirst particularly pushed away from the traditional art of Britain in the 90s and his exhibition, 'the physical impossibility of death in the eyes of someone living' was exemplary and similar to the acts to the Renaissance artist of the time. similarly pushing away and thinking for themselves as to what art is? In the same way the role of the painter and the sculpture of the Renaissance period, (traditionally thought of in the lower social role of the crafts person) wanted their profession to be recognised as a member of the liberal arts, Damien Hirst and the YBA wanted their art to be recognized as a true artists movement in Britain at the time. His work 'For The Love of God' a platinum cast of a human skull encrusted with 8,601 flawless diamonds, including a pear-shaped pink diamond located in the forehead. Costing £14 million to produce, it is an interesting look into modern mercantilism. The idea of mercantilism was for a nation to increase imports and collect precious metals in order to best serve wealth and power in their given country. I find that Hirst's persona is somewhat arrogant and flamboyant, a prime example of his flamboyancy is his skull, the most costliest piece of art in history, it relates to the idea of precious metals being collected for ones nation. Relating to the saying 'no man is an island' which clearly doesn't apply to Hirst.

I believe Hirst makes the statement that man is his own nation in particular the rich. Collecting and spending and growing as we all constantly are as individuals, some more so than others. As his critics have commented on; "work of art? He is not an artist. It's all commercial value to him. Is this just another way for rich people to deal with their time and excess of money. If Paris Hilton or Ali G say they did it, instead of Hirst, would you call that art? or just another publicity stunt?"

http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5721243092885760241&postID=8586704498988537630

I believe that Hirst makes clever observations on society with His Art, 'For the Love of God' in particular commenting on the social status of individuals in today's society.

Week 3 - Fiona Hall's work and Mercantillism

'Leaf Litter' (1999-2003)
'Tender'(2003-05)

Fiona Hall's contemporary work relates to the Renaissance concept of Mercantilism.

Research the two examples; 'Tender'(2003-05) and 'Leaf Litter'(1999-2003) to explain how they relate to this concept. First define mercantilism and explain how it has developed since the Renaissance. For each work you will need to describe the shape, form and materials of the work, and explain the ideas behind each example.These works were part of an art show titled 'Force Field' which can be viewed in one of the exhibition spaces on YouTube - Part Three: Fiona Hall: Force Field.

Definitions of Mercantilism

Mercantilism is the economic system of the major trading nations during the 16th, 17th, and 18th cent., based on the premise that national wealth and power were best served by increasing exports and collecting precious metals in return. It superseded the medieval feudal organization in Western Europe, especially in Holland, France, and England. The period 1500–1800 was one of religious and commercial wars, and large revenues were needed to maintain armies and pay the growing costs of civil government. Mercantilist nations were impressed by the fact that the precious metals, especially gold, were in universal demand as the ready means of obtaining other commodities; hence they tended to identify money with wealth.
(http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/mercantilism)

Mercantilism can as the economic system of major trading distributions during the 16th, 17th and 18th century, these focused on the idea behind national wealth and power were best received by increasing exports and collecting precious metals in return, such as gold, this would allow others to determine how wealthy an individual was. But since the renaissance the government has adapted to new customs and ones wealth is no longer judge by how much gold they have in their possession, but how much money they have.

Fiona Halls work 'Tender' relates to the concept of mercantilism as she incorporates nature(the leaves) with modern society(the dollar bills). Fiona Hall shows the fragile nature of money through her work 'Tender'. In Fiona Hall’s work there is an evident sense of her passion for the beauty and dependency of all living things. Only with dedicated love and commitment towards art would provide the immense patience required to create these delicate works of art.

With the series 'Leaf Litter' Fiona Hall seems to speak out that money is just paper, its not in any way tying us down or restricting us from what we love the most. She is pationatly concerned with the enviroment and the protection of it and how some enviroments are being overtext by the demands of commercial profitability. Also she reminds us that some of the once most burdened parts of the world are now amongst the poorest parts. There are some things in life that no amount of money can fix such as the enviroment. In this work she again reminds us of the fragile diversity of the natural world and how it can be broken so easily with just one small decision.

References

• http://dl.screenaustralia.gov.au/module/849/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercantilism
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiona_Margaret_Hall
• http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/mercantilism

Week Two - Auckland Triennial 2010

Nick Austin, ye old age
2009

Mahmoud Bakhshi, Tulips Rise from the Blood of the Nation's Youth, 2008,neon, tin, wood, plastic, electric engines, courtesy of the artist andKhastoo Gallery, Los Angeles

'Last Ride in a Hot Air Balloon' is the title for the 2010 4th Auckland triennialwhich is on show from 12 March - 20 June. Watch the video of the curator,Natasha Conland discussing the art show.

Youtube conland348. MP4

Use the information from the video andon the Triennial website to answer the following questions;

1.What are the themes behind the title "Last ride...' for the Auckland triennial?

The themes behind 'Last Ride in a Hot Air Balloon' are the on going relation between adventure and risk taking in contemporary art today

2. What does a curator of an exhibition do?

A curator is a host and guide to places such as Art Galleries and museums etc. A curator develops, maintains, and researches the collections of the exhibition.

3. Which countries are represented in this year's triennial?

Here's a list of where this year's triennial can be viewed:

New Zealand, Germany, Australia, USA, Ireland, Sweden, Argentina, Denmark, Mexico, Iran, England, Scotland, India, Lebanon, China and France

4. Is Auckland the only country to have a triennial? Are there other similar art shows?

No (As listed above) there are many countries that are displaying. Here are some similar art shows and exhibitions.

Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art:

http://qag.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/apt

Indigenous Art Triennial

http://nga.gov.au/exhibition/niat07/

5. Name 4 artists who will be showing work in the show.

Some of the artists showcasing their work in this years triennial are Walid sadek, Zheng Bo, Nick Austin and Sharon Hayes

6. Select an artist's work from the website, copy the work to your blog and write a short comment on what the work is, and what it represents.(Reference your sources)

This is Nick Austin's work titled 'Nick Austin, ye old age 2009' (the yellow piece of art at the top of blog) This work represents ones eyesight getting worse/less adequate as they get older in life. The magnifying glass represents the glasses which increase/improve the sight of the user, this relates to eyesight because when someones eyesight is getting worse they result in having to buy prescription glasses to more or less renew their vision.

7. Comment on why you find this work interesting, how does it relate to your own interests?

I find it interesting as he has displayed his message clearly and i like that almost anyone can see what is trying to be conveyed through his work. It does not relly relate to my own interests, but i have noticed that my eyesight has been geting worse lately.

Students doing the commentary should comment on their partners answers, and answer questions 6 and 7.

Resources:

http://www.aucklandtriennial.com/artists/nickaustin.asp

http://nga.gov.au/exhibition/niat07/

http://qag.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/apt