art 1a --> Foundation in Visual Arts

today's readings

Come prepared having read:

John Berger: Ways of Seeing chapter 1 ←
Walter Benjamin: The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction ←

discussion format

Group Discussion Setup:

We'll break into small groups of 3-4 people (8 groups total) to discuss the readings in depth. Each group will focus on specific questions, then we'll reconvene to share insights with the larger class.

Time allocation: 20 minutes small group discussion + 15 minutes full class sharing

Documentation: Please record your group's key insights in our shared Google doc during discussion.

group assignments

Group 1: Berger on Mystification

Guiliana, Jeselle, Marianna

What does Berger mean when he talks about mystification in art?
Who or what elements create this mystification?

Group 2: Perspective and Vision

Mary Jo, Joseph, Carson

How does Berger argue perspective and the camera have affected our way of seeing/ or the way we take in images?
How might we compare Berger's analysis of an "original artwork" to Benjamin's "aura of the original"?

Groups 3: Reproduction and Change

Daniel, Sarah, Jaylen

In what ways does Berger, or Benjamin, claim reproduction changes an art piece?
How might these changes be used?

Group 4: Technology and Mediation

Thalia, Iris

What do we define as technology?
What do we define as Mediation?

Group 5: Benjamin's Aura

Alvaro Jr, Hannah, Justyn

How does Benjamin define the aura?
Have you yourself felt the aura?
Are there certain people putting this "aura" in place?

Group 6: Contemporary Applications

Tiara, Daisy

How do Berger and Benjamin's ideas apply to contemporary digital media?
What examples of "aura" or "mystification" do you see in today's art world?

Group 7: Critical Analysis

Joanie, Patrick, Gabrielle

What are the strengths and limitations of Berger's arguments?
What are the strengths and limitations of Benjamin's arguments?

Group 8: Synthesis

Natalia, Yuan, Marion

How do Berger and Benjamin's arguments complement or contradict each other?
What questions do these readings raise for you about art and society?

today's logistics

Carpooling coordination for LACMA field trip ← saturday, july 12

We'll organize final carpooling groups and exchange contact information for our upcoming museum visit.

People with cars available:

→ mary jo
→ hannah
→ natalia
→ gabby
→ henry
→ thalia // car problem rn

Writing Assignment Due Wednesday

Due: Wednesday, July 2 by 1:30PM in lecture

3-part writing assignment:

1. Write a 1-page summary of John Berger's Ways of Seeing (Chapter 1)

2. Write a 1-page summary of Walter Benjamin's The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

3. Write a 1-2 page summary of the important ideas addressed in Chapter 1 (pages 3-24): "The Anatomy of the Arts" from Your Brain on Art, and write about the most significant ideas advanced in this chapter

Resources:

A free copy of Your Brain on Art can be downloaded from Davidson Library and is on reserve.

Submission: PDF format with proper Chicago citations (footnotes + bibliography)

Looking Ahead

WEEK 3 (July 7 & 9): LACMA Field Trip

Saturday, July 12: LACMA museum visit

Monday and Wednesday lectures cancelled in lieu of the LACMA trip. Monday discussion section scheduled as planned.