The artist that caught my attention last class was Christoph Niemann. I really liked how his illustrations were so creative and witty but very simple to read and understand. His designs were not done in an intricate or complicated way, but rather in way that he was able to convey an idea that readers would understand upon first glance. His illustrations are cartoon-like and stylized, which I really liked. They are done in almost a child-like manor. Some looking like they're out of a kid's book. I liked his work so much because his images are done in such a way that they are inviting and leave you wanting to see more. Even the cartoon he has on the home page of his portfolio is able to say so much in four little square in such a way that I couldn't wait to click and see the rest of his portfolio. I was not particularly drawn to his pixel works, but I feel that his style is very versatile and is applicable to a variety of works as seen through his portfolio, which includes works made for the New York Times Blog, the MoMA, the New Yorker and many more.
In my workplace, there were speaking about artist books and the flexibility of the medium. They were discussing that some artists are now using the internet as the platform for composing such “books”. The internet is becoming more and more as not just a way of displaying ones art/product/etc., but as the medium for creating such things. As a first example, Sarah Fanelli’s website as a whole can be viewed as a piece of art. The background, the links, the composition of the layout, and the creativeness of her handwriting can be seen as a digital art book. To the more extreme you have studios like Lust and Res Sapians and Martin Woodtli’s are using their web sites as art requiring user interaction, either by clicking moving bubbles to get to links, putting together a puzzle, or even just clicking to progress the series of pictures. I would really like to see the potential of the internet as a medium for artists, especially with the idea of user interaction leading to so many possibilities.
I really like the work of Maviyane-Davies, after an interview that I read, he wants to show the world some awareness on the issuses of health, environment, consumerism, and to the abuse and violations of human rights being perpetrated and to encourage peole to vote. I think its an effective way because his work represents "art" and "freedom"at the same time. I found it very interesting that his goals is by using symbolism and visual language to the audience to show some aspects of the world surrounding us that are lost and he uses them as a way of communication.Also the fact that he used unusual images to explain the idea he needed to show us are indeed very affective.I really love one of his work called "Article 4 Rights" where the message is that "Nobody should be subjected to slavery or servitude" it is just a very strong representation. The fact that the hair of the man is represented as chains,the backroung is soil and the dominating color is brown. Yasemin Koraltan Yasemin Koraltan
I really liked Sara Fanelli’s work. I really admire it because it does not conform to the usual of society. Her Children’s Books are different from most illustrator, she uses collages as her main media which helps her to identify with her children audience as well as her whimsical use of color which she uses in her books. Her illustrations are very dramatic with bright contrasting colors such as bright oranges and red and contrasting colors. My favorite is A Dog’s Life and Wolf! In A Dog’s Life by using collage she leads her audience to feel what a dog’s fur is supposed to feel like and in Wolf! Her use of scribble illustrations gives a very kid friendly mood, that makes you feel like you are ready a very fun book, something that is perfect for children. Her overall portfolio is also impress because she integrates a sense of old with new by using a bright color palette with beige and crème colors as well to give an old sensation, such as in her AGI Poster which she cleverly incorporates the Eifel Tower and the French flag with that of writing and a man’s face. I absolutely love that she uses found objects such as paper and letters in her art work. -Daniela Suarez
I really enjoyed the topic on the history of graffiti. Looking at all the different types and styles that there is reminded me of back in middle school when everyone was trying to write their names in graffiti style, most popular was the bubble style, at least among the girls. It’s such a huge movement that I think paved the way for many things. It ranges from something as simple as to tagging your name to making a bold political statement or just any statement for that matter. I think that graffiti although considered to be illegal is a way to get the younger generation involved in what is going on in this world. I don’t doubt that Shepard Farey’s Obama posters had a little influence in getting the younger population out to vote. I’m sure they saw the posters and said “hey, if this guy is supporting Obama then maybe he’s someone we have to look into. It’s a way of connecting with others and making your voice heard , in a very creative and fun manner. -Carolina Fernandez
I was particularly drawn to the post about Isidro Ferrer this week. The use of found objects in art reminds me a lot of the works of Marcel Duchamp from the early 20th century. While Duchamp’s works were intriguing, I find Ferrer’s works to have much more character. For the most part, they seem wittier and the introduction of graphic elements in his works makes them that much more captivating. I found it interesting that it is said that he works by “devoration”. Like a machine almost, he ingests pieces of the world and the final product is something beautiful, something no one else would have seen or created even if they had “devoured” the same information.
I also enjoyed the work of Christoph Neimann. I have always been intrigued by cartoonish and playful images. These type of images always feel so timeless to me and invoke an ever-young and playful type of emotion. With Neimann’s work I really appreciated how a lot of his work were in series and how you really have to look at some of the work more than once to really understand what is going on in the picture. When I went to his website and saw his homepage illustration, I loved it. I just really appreciate anyone who can create work that has a comedic as well as insightful element to it. In modern society, everyone is so wrapped up in being so straight-edged and stressed out that no one really laughs anymore. People should sometimes go back to the days when they read cartoons. Some people associate child-like characteristics with being naïve, but I would much rather like to associate it with the best medicine, laughter.
One of my favorite artists is Alberto Cerriteno. He is known for his playful collages and appears to be influenced by Sara Fanelli's work. I really enjoy her “Liberation by bike” stamp that was done as part of the Royal Mail Stamp series. The image contains an angle like girl holding on to bicycle handlebars. Instead of being seated, her body flies through the air like superman. The bike, according to www.prnewswire.co.uk “features the first ladies' safety bicycle”. This was important because it was the first bike available to all economic classes and genders. They also note that “Early feminist and Labour groups were cycling clubs.” Her message is powerful and full of semiotics. She also manages to incorporate playful elements such as a pet dog whose feet have been replaced with wheels. Even the animals are liberated in her world.
I really appreciate the layered collage style illustrations by Sara Fanelli. Her style is innovative, playful, and yet very personal. I appreciate the way she incorporates collage from all different areas of her life, such as photographs, books, wallpaper, and even physical materials. Her figures are childlike and include doodle-like sketches that are quite complex and wonderfully unique. In my opinion, she proves to the art world that book illustration should be included in the world of fine art because her illustrations resemble high quality, unique paintings. While visiting Sara Fanelli’s website, I became very interested in her work at the Tate Modern Museum in London. Her designed writing is featured along the entrance walls of the Tate, which was entirely hand written by the artist. The entrance walls consist of art-related keywords (such as improvisation and authenticity) as well as the names of modern artists found in the gallery, which appear like hand-signed signatures. Fanelli also hand-wrote a large-scale timeline of the history of art of the twentieth century, which appears wonderfully informal and visually exciting. Her gallery design conveys a sense of humankind in the museum, which is much more appealing to viewers than the conventional computer printed typography usually seen in museums.
Below is a link to view her designs at the Tate Modern. http://www.sarafanelli.com/docs/bg03.html#
I have mixed feelings towards Christoph Niemann's works. At first I was was like, "Yeah, I get what he's doing, simple, straightforward, and funny" . The bright colors, simple designs looked like a coloring book, or one of today's online webcomics. On the otherhand, I had this strange nostalgic feeling. Christoph Niemann's works looks a lot like the artwork one would find from opening MS Word, click insert, clip-art. I don't know, to me, while it looks cool how he is able to portray the meaning in such a simple picture, the images are very tacky.
I really enjoyed the works by Chaz Maviyane-DaviesChaz, graphic designer and social activist artist. His images deliver very strong political message, persuading the audience to change their behavior, more likely in general to take action over human rights and values. Sometimes making usage of powerful imagery, other times presenting simple yet clever images. However, always communicating the same message, straight to the point. Projecting a social and cultural change, creating consciousness and awareness. Some of his posters try to appeal to our emotions, while others simply strike your eyes, and demand an action from you. I thing his work, is perfect example of how graphic design has gotten to a point where it has become a powerful tool to communicate your message, and for others to hear your voice whether using a combination of image and typography, are simply just using strong typography.
I was really attracted to the work we discussed by Sara Fanelli and her illustrations for the children's story books. I was a little shocked to see her work was for children's books because the art itself is very abstract, while still attaining a childish feel to it. I think its because of a culture difference. If an American publishing company attempted to release a children's book with her work as it's art, I don't think they would have much success. In a European market, however, that abstract feel Is more at home with art there, which is interesting. That her work alone could so greatly define the difference between cultures.
I most enjoyed the discussion we had about graffiti during last class. Whether someone considers graffiti vandalism or not, I would believe the majority of our class, if not the entire class, would classify it an art form. I’ve lived in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Long Island, and have worked in Manhattan, so I felt at home when you were speaking about the art and showing photographs last class. There are actually many galleries in the Bronx and in Manhattan where famous graffiti artists set up subway sized frames and tag them in front of a live audience. Not only is graffiti a form of art, but it is a form of entertainment as well.
While looking at a new york city graffiti blog, I also stumbled across this video you may be interested showing your class next semester. It is a video of subway graffiti art in the 80’s.
I liked Rene Knip’s style, specifically how he is aware of the environments his designs are placed in as much as the design itself. In a general sense this speaks to what it means to be a graphic designer, showing us that despite being “graphics” we still depend on nature and context for our message. It’s also another example that a good designer is a designer in all things, not necessarily just his graphical art, but is sensitive to where and how his art works in a physical space; much like how Rene Knip “constructs” his type rather than drawing it out, designers aren’t only artists but architects in a sense, and in some cases design both the building and the graphical representations found within.
I was most drawn to Sara Fanelli’s work in our last lecture. My eye has always been drawn to work like hers- design that is both playful and functioning. The way that she uses this collage-like artistic expression, combined with the traces of traditional graphic design principles really makes for an effective style and body of work. For me, this hand drawn, sketchbook-type style allows for the artist’s true creativity to shine through the work. Although Fanelli has a very unique style, her work very closely resembles the work of one of my favorite artists, Sabrina Ward Harrison:
She, too, uses textures and layered compositions to get her message across. While browsing her work, along with Fanelli’s, I think there is a certain inspiration that can be derived from their creations, showing other artists that it’s okay to take risks and make mistakes in design, because although it seems to be more minimalist and strict at times, it is still a form of art and should allow for as much creativity as any other medium.
I wasn’t able to make the last class but I did notice that you covered Post Typography. The collective creativity between Nolen Strals and Bruce Willen is a perfect match in my mind. Post Typography has the ability to jump from large corporate projects to local one without losing their edge. For Example, They did a clever, political, and “punk rock” style lay out for the Washington post Sunday out look (http://www.posttypography.com/site/index.php? action=news&id=864) Another, Memorable layout was for the Baltimore Magazine in the underground music scene titled ”If you lived her you’d be cool by now” (http://www.posttypography.com/site/index.php?action=portfolio&tid=10) which pokes fun at the Hipster/bohemian community in Baltimore. Post Typography was one of the first graphic artists I was introduced to in undergrad and they remain local legends to me. Thomas Engleman.
Although what really drew me in last class was the subject of graffiti, I felt that we were supposed to post on the topics posted earlier than Post 9. Reviewing the artists’ work below this, the ones that caught my attention the most were from Christoph Nieman. I just thought they really represented what a large percentage of Americans like at this moment. I understand that it is simple and straightforward but that’s probably what makes him so popular at a time when we get so many images thrown at us at once that most people don’t invest much time to process one image. I think that’s where most of his genius lies – knowing what his viewers want right now. Most of his works are funny but carry some social or political message. They are so varied that you can get lost looking through his gallery. He uses images that are easily identifiable and sometimes reference past works. I felt some of the pieces had more clever jokes hidden behind simpler jokes. Although I’m not completely in love with his art, I picked him as my subject because I think this is where we are right now, as a majority. I think he’s a smart businessman for knowing that and exploiting it. At the same time, it kind of makes me sad that art has to be so easy to digest to get our society’s attention and I respect the time that people invest looking at artists who want to draw more out of you than this. For now, his work was a fun little break during finals.
I respect the work of graphic designer Chaz Maviyane-Davies. His work epitomizes social issues and bringing them to life by thinking “outside of the box”. After being raised as a second class citizen in Zimbabwe, he grew up adhering to the white government. This is no wonder why he became an advocate of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Amnesty International. Chaz Maviyane-Davies uses graphic design to address global social issues. This is evident in his poster to stop executions in the Congo. The noose along with the shaded face of a Black African overlaid upon the region on a map made a clear statement of the inhumane treatment the Blacks were receiving in the Congo. His art work depicts his life lessons and what he values, all clearly showing his passion towards globalization.
I really enjoyed our discussion on graffiti as either being a form of art or vandalism. I feel the answer to that question has to do with the perception of each person and the era in which they grew. Graffiti is a form of expression, and I feel that every form of expression is art, especially to those expressing their selves. So for those who don't really understand self expression, they might think that graffiti is a form of vandalism. Older generations who didn't grew up with graffiti being a form of art might also consider it a form of vandalism and they don't understand it, they are not use to it. I feel that graffiti is definitely a form of art, I admire people who can illustrate so well and create amazing type, and thats what graffiti artists do. Micole Alkabes
I appreciate the work of Christoph Niemann because it is very spontaneous yet it is very witty. He uses a sense of sarcasm in his illustrations, which I really appreciate because he gives his illustrations a story. His illustrations aren’t only pictures or cool designs, their images that are depicting a certain theme that Niemann is trying to get through. I also really like his pixel portraits because they remind of super Mario on Nintendo. He is able to give his illustrations an old school feel that can appeal to all ages. The way that he depicts himself in his self-portrait is a very unique way of using pixels to create an interesting illustration. I also really enjoy his graphic works, which have an interesting way of depicting common illustrations such as the Eiffel tower. Niemann has a very unique way of giving his illustrations life.
I especially enjoyed our discussion about graffiti. Most of these artists put their self’s at risk in order to create such masterpieces, I would question if they would still feel as enticed to produce this work if it wasn’t considered vandalism. One particular image was striking to me; it was a wall that had graffiti marks all over it, these marks have been there for a long time and through time they have become a unique work of art that cannot be reproduced the same again because it was a contribution of many known and unknown individuals who felt the urge to express their feelings, beliefs or thoughts and communicate them to the world via artistic expression. I found that really fascinating.
In our last class after discussing graffiti at length, I began to think how graffiti was truly one of the last great means of expression left in the art world despite its transition into galleries and the confines of art as a commodity. I think what speaks most about graffiti’s ability to strike a chord with audiences is the rawness and tangibility of the work. Whereas traditional artwork can only be viewed in a book or sterile gallery, graffiti is happening in the now. It’s in your face, it’s on a building you walk past every day and most importantly it’s not “supposed” to be there.
What makes art powerful is breaking the rules and I think that graffiti embodies that spirit the best. I find most interesting, however, that graffiti is the most “basic” of artwork in the sense that it has been around since mankind has been making symbols, and it still sticks with us. It’s my opinion therefore, that graffiti is an intrinsic part of being human, it’s our intrinsic desire to leave a mark and a legacy.
I really like the work of Maviyane-Davies who uses simple designs to convey a message. I was reminded of another graphic designer, Julian Bialowas, who I love, that uses basic typography and images to convey a message.
Julian Bialowas is a freelance graphic designer, photographer and co-creator of the magazine 16Hours. He created a 365 day project where he posts one of his own photos every day with graphic design elements for a year at 365q.ca tumblr account. He also tweets about details and shows the prints.
Some of his work has powerful statements like “Do not cry knowing you can never see the entire world! Rejoice knowing there will always be an unknown to explore.” Another states, “Inspiration Exists, But it has to find us working.” And another, “There is no certainty. There is only adventure.”
His work is straightforward and simple, but none the less unique and thought provoking as any graphic design work should be.
Sara Fanelli’s work caught my eye and immediately made me think of imagery seen in movies such as “Juno” and “500 Days of Summer” just as Alvin Lustig’s book jackets from previous classes. The images seem to be animated even though they are 2-dimensional and static, and this quality makes the work appealing to many audiences. Her drawings are child-like but not childish- they almost seem collage-y, and her typography is very sophisticated yet fun and active. I would like to find out if these works are produced on computer based programs such as photoshop, or if she watercolors/paints her hand drawings; in both cases the work is remarkable.
Here are two links on typography and street art I stumbledupon that may be useful as references for future classes, or simply for fun.
26 comments:
The artist that caught my attention last class was Christoph Niemann. I really liked how his illustrations were so creative and witty but very simple to read and understand. His designs were not done in an intricate or complicated way, but rather in way that he was able to convey an idea that readers would understand upon first glance. His illustrations are cartoon-like and stylized, which I really liked. They are done in almost a child-like manor. Some looking like they're out of a kid's book.
I liked his work so much because his images are done in such a way that they are inviting and leave you wanting to see more. Even the cartoon he has on the home page of his portfolio is able to say so much in four little square in such a way that I couldn't wait to click and see the rest of his portfolio. I was not particularly drawn to his pixel works, but I feel that his style is very versatile and is applicable to a variety of works as seen through his portfolio, which includes works made for the New York Times Blog, the MoMA, the New Yorker and many more.
-Nicole Collazo
In my workplace, there were speaking about artist books and the flexibility of the medium. They were discussing that some artists are now using the internet as the platform for composing such “books”. The internet is becoming more and more as not just a way of displaying ones art/product/etc., but as the medium for creating such things. As a first example, Sarah Fanelli’s website as a whole can be viewed as a piece of art. The background, the links, the composition of the layout, and the creativeness of her handwriting can be seen as a digital art book. To the more extreme you have studios like Lust and Res Sapians and Martin Woodtli’s are using their web sites as art requiring user interaction, either by clicking moving bubbles to get to links, putting together a puzzle, or even just clicking to progress the series of pictures. I would really like to see the potential of the internet as a medium for artists, especially with the idea of user interaction leading to so many possibilities.
-Eduardo Prieto
I really like the work of Maviyane-Davies, after an interview that I read, he wants to show the world some awareness on the issuses of health, environment, consumerism, and to the abuse and violations of human rights being perpetrated and to encourage peole to vote. I think its an effective way because his work represents "art" and "freedom"at the same time. I found it very interesting that his goals is by using symbolism and visual language to the audience to show some aspects of the world surrounding us that are lost and he uses them as a way of communication.Also the fact that he used unusual images to explain the idea he needed to show us are indeed very affective.I really love one of his work called "Article 4 Rights" where the message is that "Nobody should be subjected to slavery or servitude" it is just a very strong representation. The fact that the hair of the man is represented as chains,the backroung is soil and the dominating color is brown.
Yasemin Koraltan
Yasemin Koraltan
I really liked Sara Fanelli’s work. I really admire it because it does not conform to the usual of society. Her Children’s Books are different from most illustrator, she uses collages as her main media which helps her to identify with her children audience as well as her whimsical use of color which she uses in her books. Her illustrations are very dramatic with bright contrasting colors such as bright oranges and red and contrasting colors. My favorite is A Dog’s Life and Wolf! In A Dog’s Life by using collage she leads her audience to feel what a dog’s fur is supposed to feel like and in Wolf! Her use of scribble illustrations gives a very kid friendly mood, that makes you feel like you are ready a very fun book, something that is perfect for children. Her overall portfolio is also impress because she integrates a sense of old with new by using a bright color palette with beige and crème colors as well to give an old sensation, such as in her AGI Poster which she cleverly incorporates the Eifel Tower and the French flag with that of writing and a man’s face. I absolutely love that she uses found objects such as paper and letters in her art work.
-Daniela Suarez
I really enjoyed the topic on the history of graffiti. Looking at all the different types and styles that there is reminded me of back in middle school when everyone was trying to write their names in graffiti style, most popular was the bubble style, at least among the girls. It’s such a huge movement that I think paved the way for many things. It ranges from something as simple as to tagging your name to making a bold political statement or just any statement for that matter. I think that graffiti although considered to be illegal is a way to get the younger generation involved in what is going on in this world. I don’t doubt that Shepard Farey’s Obama posters had a little influence in getting the younger population out to vote. I’m sure they saw the posters and said “hey, if this guy is supporting Obama then maybe he’s someone we have to look into. It’s a way of connecting with others and making your voice heard , in a very creative and fun manner.
-Carolina Fernandez
I was particularly drawn to the post about Isidro Ferrer this week. The use of found objects in art reminds me a lot of the works of Marcel Duchamp from the early 20th century. While Duchamp’s works were intriguing, I find Ferrer’s works to have much more character. For the most part, they seem wittier and the introduction of graphic elements in his works makes them that much more captivating. I found it interesting that it is said that he works by “devoration”. Like a machine almost, he ingests pieces of the world and the final product is something beautiful, something no one else would have seen or created even if they had “devoured” the same information.
-Melisa Ramos
I also enjoyed the work of Christoph Neimann. I have always been intrigued by cartoonish and playful images. These type of images always feel so timeless to me and invoke an ever-young and playful type of emotion. With Neimann’s work I really appreciated how a lot of his work were in series and how you really have to look at some of the work more than once to really understand what is going on in the picture. When I went to his website and saw his homepage illustration, I loved it. I just really appreciate anyone who can create work that has a comedic as well as insightful element to it. In modern society, everyone is so wrapped up in being so straight-edged and stressed out that no one really laughs anymore. People should sometimes go back to the days when they read cartoons. Some people associate child-like characteristics with being naïve, but I would much rather like to associate it with the best medicine, laughter.
--Carissa
One of my favorite artists is Alberto Cerriteno. He is known for his playful collages and appears to be influenced by Sara Fanelli's work. I really enjoy her “Liberation by bike” stamp that was done as part of the Royal Mail Stamp series. The image contains an angle like girl holding on to bicycle handlebars. Instead of being seated, her body flies through the air like superman. The bike, according to www.prnewswire.co.uk “features the first ladies' safety bicycle”. This was important because it was the first bike available to all economic classes and genders. They also note that “Early feminist and Labour groups were cycling clubs.” Her message is powerful and full of semiotics. She also manages to incorporate playful elements such as a pet dog whose feet have been replaced with wheels. Even the animals are liberated in her world.
- Michelle Roy
I really appreciate the layered collage style illustrations by Sara Fanelli. Her style is innovative, playful, and yet very personal. I appreciate the way she incorporates collage from all different areas of her life, such as photographs, books, wallpaper, and even physical materials. Her figures are childlike and include doodle-like sketches that are quite complex and wonderfully unique. In my opinion, she proves to the art world that book illustration should be included in the world of fine art because her illustrations resemble high quality, unique paintings.
While visiting Sara Fanelli’s website, I became very interested in her work at the Tate Modern Museum in London. Her designed writing is featured along the entrance walls of the Tate, which was entirely hand written by the artist. The entrance walls consist of art-related keywords (such as improvisation and authenticity) as well as the names of modern artists found in the gallery, which appear like hand-signed signatures. Fanelli also hand-wrote a large-scale timeline of the history of art of the twentieth century, which appears wonderfully informal and visually exciting. Her gallery design conveys a sense of humankind in the museum, which is much more appealing to viewers than the conventional computer printed typography usually seen in museums.
Below is a link to view her designs at the Tate Modern.
http://www.sarafanelli.com/docs/bg03.html#
Lara Rosenbaum
I have mixed feelings towards Christoph Niemann's works. At first I was was like, "Yeah, I get what he's doing, simple, straightforward, and funny" . The bright colors, simple designs looked like a coloring book, or one of today's online webcomics.
On the otherhand, I had this strange nostalgic feeling. Christoph Niemann's works looks a lot like the artwork one would find from opening MS Word, click insert, clip-art. I don't know, to me, while it looks cool how he is able to portray the meaning in such a simple picture, the images are very tacky.
Phu N
I really enjoyed the works by Chaz Maviyane-DaviesChaz, graphic designer and social activist artist. His images deliver very strong political message, persuading the audience to change their behavior, more likely in general to take action over human rights and values. Sometimes making usage of powerful imagery, other times presenting simple yet clever images. However, always communicating the same message, straight to the point. Projecting a social and cultural change, creating consciousness and awareness. Some of his posters try to appeal to our emotions, while others simply strike your eyes, and demand an action from you. I thing his work, is perfect example of how graphic design has gotten to a point where it has become a powerful tool to communicate your message, and for others to hear your voice whether using a combination of image and typography, are simply just using strong typography.
Yusmary Cortez
I was really attracted to the work we discussed by Sara Fanelli and her illustrations for the children's story books. I was a little shocked to see her work was for children's books because the art itself is very abstract, while still attaining a childish feel to it. I think its because of a culture difference. If an American publishing company attempted to release a children's book with her work as it's art, I don't think they would have much success. In a European market, however, that abstract feel Is more at home with art there, which is interesting. That her work alone could so greatly define the difference between cultures.
I most enjoyed the discussion we had about graffiti during last class. Whether someone considers graffiti vandalism or not, I would believe the majority of our class, if not the entire class, would classify it an art form. I’ve lived in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Long Island, and have worked in Manhattan, so I felt at home when you were speaking about the art and showing photographs last class. There are actually many galleries in the Bronx and in Manhattan where famous graffiti artists set up subway sized frames and tag them in front of a live audience. Not only is graffiti a form of art, but it is a form of entertainment as well.
While looking at a new york city graffiti blog, I also stumbled across this video you may be interested showing your class next semester. It is a video of subway graffiti art in the 80’s.
http://www.kingsofnewyork.net/blog/2011/4/12/nyc-subway-graffiti-from-the-1980s.html
Alexandra Goldman
I liked Rene Knip’s style, specifically how he is aware of the environments his designs are placed in as much as the design itself. In a general sense this speaks to what it means to be a graphic designer, showing us that despite being “graphics” we still depend on nature and context for our message. It’s also another example that a good designer is a designer in all things, not necessarily just his graphical art, but is sensitive to where and how his art works in a physical space; much like how Rene Knip “constructs” his type rather than drawing it out, designers aren’t only artists but architects in a sense, and in some cases design both the building and the graphical representations found within.
Gabriel
I was most drawn to Sara Fanelli’s work in our last lecture. My eye has always been drawn to work like hers- design that is both playful and functioning. The way that she uses this collage-like artistic expression, combined with the traces of traditional graphic design principles really makes for an effective style and body of work. For me, this hand drawn, sketchbook-type style allows for the artist’s true creativity to shine through the work. Although Fanelli has a very unique style, her work very closely resembles the work of one of my favorite artists, Sabrina Ward Harrison:
http://www.sabrinawardharrison.com/ee/index.php/sabstudio/about/
She, too, uses textures and layered compositions to get her message across. While browsing her work, along with Fanelli’s, I think there is a certain inspiration that can be derived from their creations, showing other artists that it’s okay to take risks and make mistakes in design, because although it seems to be more minimalist and strict at times, it is still a form of art and should allow for as much creativity as any other medium.
-Lisa Trucchio
I wasn’t able to make the last class but I did notice that you covered Post Typography. The collective creativity between Nolen Strals and Bruce Willen is a perfect match in my mind. Post Typography has the ability to jump from large corporate projects to local one without losing their edge. For Example, They did a clever, political, and “punk rock” style lay out for the Washington post Sunday out look (http://www.posttypography.com/site/index.php? action=news&id=864) Another, Memorable layout was for the Baltimore Magazine in the underground music scene titled ”If you lived her you’d be cool by now” (http://www.posttypography.com/site/index.php?action=portfolio&tid=10) which pokes fun at the Hipster/bohemian community in Baltimore. Post Typography was one of the first graphic artists I was introduced to in undergrad and they remain local legends to me.
Thomas Engleman.
Although what really drew me in last class was the subject of graffiti, I felt that we were supposed to post on the topics posted earlier than Post 9. Reviewing the artists’ work below this, the ones that caught my attention the most were from Christoph Nieman. I just thought they really represented what a large percentage of Americans like at this moment. I understand that it is simple and straightforward but that’s probably what makes him so popular at a time when we get so many images thrown at us at once that most people don’t invest much time to process one image. I think that’s where most of his genius lies – knowing what his viewers want right now. Most of his works are funny but carry some social or political message. They are so varied that you can get lost looking through his gallery. He uses images that are easily identifiable and sometimes reference past works. I felt some of the pieces had more clever jokes hidden behind simpler jokes. Although I’m not completely in love with his art, I picked him as my subject because I think this is where we are right now, as a majority. I think he’s a smart businessman for knowing that and exploiting it. At the same time, it kind of makes me sad that art has to be so easy to digest to get our society’s attention and I respect the time that people invest looking at artists who want to draw more out of you than this. For now, his work was a fun little break during finals.
Irelis Milhet
I respect the work of graphic designer Chaz Maviyane-Davies. His work epitomizes social issues and bringing them to life by thinking “outside of the box”. After being raised as a second class citizen in Zimbabwe, he grew up adhering to the white government. This is no wonder why he became an advocate of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Amnesty International. Chaz Maviyane-Davies uses graphic design to address global social issues. This is evident in his poster to stop executions in the Congo. The noose along with the shaded face of a Black African overlaid upon the region on a map made a clear statement of the inhumane treatment the Blacks were receiving in the Congo. His art work depicts his life lessons and what he values, all clearly showing his passion towards globalization.
Derek Arfman
I really enjoyed our discussion on graffiti as either being a form of art or vandalism. I feel the answer to that question has to do with the perception of each person and the era in which they grew. Graffiti is a form of expression, and I feel that every form of expression is art, especially to those expressing their selves. So for those who don't really understand self expression, they might think that graffiti is a form of vandalism. Older generations who didn't grew up with graffiti being a form of art might also consider it a form of vandalism and they don't understand it, they are not use to it. I feel that graffiti is definitely a form of art, I admire people who can illustrate so well and create amazing type, and thats what graffiti artists do.
Micole Alkabes
I appreciate the work of Christoph Niemann because it is very spontaneous yet it is very witty. He uses a sense of sarcasm in his illustrations, which I really appreciate because he gives his illustrations a story. His illustrations aren’t only pictures or cool designs, their images that are depicting a certain theme that Niemann is trying to get through. I also really like his pixel portraits because they remind of super Mario on Nintendo. He is able to give his illustrations an old school feel that can appeal to all ages. The way that he depicts himself in his self-portrait is a very unique way of using pixels to create an interesting illustration. I also really enjoy his graphic works, which have an interesting way of depicting common illustrations such as the Eiffel tower. Niemann has a very unique way of giving his illustrations life.
-Ernesto Ramirez
I especially enjoyed our discussion about graffiti. Most of these artists put their self’s at risk in order to create such masterpieces, I would question if they would still feel as enticed to produce this work if it wasn’t considered vandalism. One particular image was striking to me; it was a wall that had graffiti marks all over it, these marks have been there for a long time and through time they have become a unique work of art that cannot be reproduced the same again because it was a contribution of many known and unknown individuals who felt the urge to express their feelings, beliefs or thoughts and communicate them to the world via artistic expression. I found that really fascinating.
Nicole Brener
In our last class after discussing graffiti at length, I began to think how graffiti was truly one of the last great means of expression left in the art world despite its transition into galleries and the confines of art as a commodity. I think what speaks most about graffiti’s ability to strike a chord with audiences is the rawness and tangibility of the work. Whereas traditional artwork can only be viewed in a book or sterile gallery, graffiti is happening in the now. It’s in your face, it’s on a building you walk past every day and most importantly it’s not “supposed” to be there.
What makes art powerful is breaking the rules and I think that graffiti embodies that spirit the best. I find most interesting, however, that graffiti is the most “basic” of artwork in the sense that it has been around since mankind has been making symbols, and it still sticks with us. It’s my opinion therefore, that graffiti is an intrinsic part of being human, it’s our intrinsic desire to leave a mark and a legacy.
I really like the work of Maviyane-Davies who uses simple designs to convey a message. I was reminded of another graphic designer, Julian Bialowas, who I love, that uses basic typography and images to convey a message.
Julian Bialowas is a freelance graphic designer, photographer and co-creator of the magazine 16Hours. He created a 365 day project where he posts one of his own photos every day with graphic design elements for a year at 365q.ca tumblr account. He also tweets about details and shows the prints.
Some of his work has powerful statements like “Do not cry knowing you can never see the entire world! Rejoice knowing there will always be an unknown to explore.” Another states, “Inspiration Exists, But it has to find us working.” And another, “There is no certainty. There is only adventure.”
His work is straightforward and simple, but none the less unique and thought provoking as any graphic design work should be.
Enjoy his work at: http://julianbialowas.com/
Sara Fanelli’s work caught my eye and immediately made me think of imagery seen in movies such as “Juno” and “500 Days of Summer” just as Alvin Lustig’s book jackets from previous classes. The images seem to be animated even though they are 2-dimensional and static, and this quality makes the work appealing to many audiences. Her drawings are child-like but not childish- they almost seem collage-y, and her typography is very sophisticated yet fun and active. I would like to find out if these works are produced on computer based programs such as photoshop, or if she watercolors/paints her hand drawings; in both cases the work is remarkable.
Here are two links on typography and street art I stumbledupon that may be useful as references for future classes, or simply for fun.
Street art:
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/ATpD9I/www.streetartutopia.com/%3Fp%3D2014
Typography:
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2oZTaz/blog.reflexstock.com/2010/08/50-extremely-awesome-examples-of-typography
Enjoy :)
Andrea Matute
Post a Comment