1 of 25

Slide Notes

DownloadGo Live

Word Fest Prep

Published on Nov 26, 2015

No Description

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Public Art Walk
Preparation

Quick Definitions

  • Symbols - concrete thing that represents abstract idea
  • Motif - recurring concrete thing that reinforces the theme
  • Theme - abstract idea implied in story/piece

Symbolism

dense communication

What does this symbolize?

How is it different than this?

What does this image signify?

Photo by MAMJODH

Symbols aren’t universal

Photo by byJoeLodge

Symbols don’t retain their significance

Photo by profzucker

Others are dependent on the user’s intent

Rose

  • Love
  • Remembering
  • Sadness
  • Purity
  • Colour is important
  • Cliché
Photo by -Reji

Theme in Art

  • Abstract
  • Unsaid
  • Implied
  • Shape, texture and material are purposeful
Photo by Pavel P.

Xmas Carol

  • Themes - compassion, transformation, guilt, time
  • Motifs - ghosts and guilt, bells and time, food is family
  • Symbol - chain and blame
Photo by SidPix

Motif

  • Recurring image or idea that supports a theme.
  • Often Concrete, but not always.

Motif Examples

  • Wind in the Alchemist
  • Eyes in the Outsiders
  • Imprisonment in Tale of Two Cities
  • Childhood in Huckleberry Finn
  • Crossing bridges in Crime and Punishment.
  • Globe in Part Time Indian
Photo by zubrow

Art exhibits can have the same elements - a symbol or theme the artist was trying to convey. A series of works could have an overall motif I suppose.

Photo by wili_hybrid

1245 BCE
Bust of Nefertiti
Symbol of feminine beauty

Photo by Great Beyond

Michelangelo’s David
Symbol - adopted by Florence as a symbol of the city-state’s resistance

Photo by ^Joe

The Burghers of Calais
Theme of sacrifice

Commemorating when town elders offered themselves up for execution to the English during a siege.

It save the population of the town.

1345 - during the 100 years war between France and England.

Rather than on a pedestal, life size figures at ground level. Significant move by Rodin towards modern art norms.


Practice 1
What do you see in the piece?

What do you interpret from your observations of the piece?

One word to define your interpretations.

Photo by freddie boy

Practice 2
What do you see?

Based on your observations, what does it mean?

A word to encapsulate your inferences?

Practice 3
What do you see?

What do you interpret?

1 word to define it?

Practice 4
What do you see?

What inferences can you make from the observations?

1 word to define it?

Photo by donwest48

Are interpretations relative?

Relative to what?

Photo by Sam Ilić

Wordfest Assignment

  • In your groups, plan a route to public art exhibits
  • Visit said locations
  • List observations
  • Create some inferences based upon the observations
  • 1 word to define the installation
  • Write the word on a large card and take a photo of your crew, the art piece and the card
  • Collect all images into a presentation for class
Photo by miuenski

One of your crew needs to justify the word for each piece.

During the presentation, anyone of your group can be chosen to discuss any of the art pieces.

Photo by Dunechaser