Choose a contemporary painting, sculpture, or piece of art that captures your interest. This should be a piece created between the end of World War II (about 1945) and today. You may choose one of the illustrations or color inserts in the textbook, opt for an artist featured on the PBS series “Art 21,” or try a virtual museum (check the links in this week's Web Resources).

Before you begin writing your post, view at least two of the “Closer Look” art critiques from the unit resources. Consider what features are discussed. Aim for an evaluation that notes small details in a work, considers the purpose of various elements, and perhaps investigates the artist’s life.

In the post, begin by introducing the piece of art. What is the title? Who created it and when? What is the style? How would you describe it to someone who had not seen it? Finally, explain why viewing this work is a valuable experience.

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Obviously, we can not help you!

Please keep in mind that we have no access to any textbook, program, workbook, etc. Pick the works and give us titles. Pick the artist and tell us who. You need to post questions that we can answer.

Sra

Before you begin writing your post, view at least two of the “Closer Look” art critiques from the unit resources. Consider what features are discussed. Aim for an evaluation that notes small details in a work, considers the purpose of various elements, and perhaps investigates the artist’s life.

Title: "Campbell's Soup Cans"

Artist: Andy Warhol
Year: 1962
Style: Pop Art

"Campbell's Soup Cans" by Andy Warhol is a series of 32 individual canvases, each depicting a different variety of Campbell's Soup can, painted in 1962. The style of this artwork is Pop Art, which emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a reaction against the traditional notions of art. Pop Art sought to incorporate elements of popular culture and everyday objects into the realm of fine art.

In this piece, Warhol painted each soup can with meticulous details, replicating the commercial appearance of the original product. The thick lines and bold colors give the cans a vibrant and eye-catching quality. Each canvas is displayed as its own piece, creating a visual repetition that emphasizes the mass production and consumer culture prevalent in America at the time.

Viewing "Campbell's Soup Cans" is a valuable experience because it challenges conventional ideas of art and invites viewers to reconsider the boundaries of what can be considered art. Warhol's work forces us to question the value we place on everyday objects and the impact of consumer culture on our society. It also prompts a critical examination of the role of commercialism and mass production in the art world.

Moreover, this artwork allows us to explore the life and artistic career of Andy Warhol, a renowned figure in contemporary art. Warhol's work is indelibly tied to the emergence of Pop Art and his exploration of consumer culture. Understanding his background and influences provides a deeper appreciation for the intentions behind "Campbell's Soup Cans" and the broader context in which it was created.

Overall, "Campbell's Soup Cans" stands as an iconic work that not only captures our attention with its bold and repetitive imagery but also challenges our perceptions and understanding of art and society. It remains a significant piece in contemporary art history and continues to provoke discussions about the intersection of art, consumerism, and popular culture.