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This week, choose a any work of architecture from one of the following movements:

1. Renaissance

2. Baroque

3. Neo-Classical

4. Gothic Revival

5. Brutalism

6. Beaux-Arts

7. Bauhaus

8. Green Architecture

Your post should include an image of the site you liked and why. Explain the building to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about the function of the site and how it fits the movement you chose.

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at the sites of your peer. Respond to their post by sharing your thoughts and takeaways from their post.

Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful.

Your grade is based on the following:

1. Your post meets expectations

2. You comment on a peer's post.

3. You respond to whoever comments on your post.

**If no one has commented on your post, please just jump in and join another conversation.

In total you should have 1 original post, 1 comment to a peer, and 1 response to the comment left on your post.

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This week, choose any of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in a Nonwestern Country (think Africa, Asia, and the Middle East) to share with the class. Use this website to help you find a site!

Your post should include an image of the site you chose. Your post should explain the function of the site, it's history to us, and why you chose it. Is this site currently at risk? Why? Are actions being taken to protect it?

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to thoughtfully respond to their site too. Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful.

Your grade is based on the following:

1. Your post meets expectations

2. You comment on a peer's post and share your thoughts

3. You respond to whoever comments on your post.

**If no one has commented on your post, please just jump in and join another conversation.

In total you should have 1 original post, 1 comment to a peer, and 1 response to the comment left on your post.

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Notes

1. In 1979, the Committee decided to inscribe the Ohrid Lake on the World Heritage List under natural criteria (iii). In 1980, this property was extended to include the cultural and historical area, and cultural criteria (i)(iii)(iv) were added.

2. Extension of the "Australian East Coast Temperate and Subtropical Rainforest Park".

name changed 2007 from 'Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves (Australia)'

3. Renomination of "Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park" under cultural criteria.

4. The "Belfries of Flanders and Wallonia" which were previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, are part of the transnational property "The Belfries of Belgium and France".

5. Extension of "Jaú National Park".

6. Extension of the "Glacier Bay/Wrangell/St Elias/Kluane" property.

7. The "Burgess Shale" property, which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the "Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks".

8. Extension of "The Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple Monastery, Lhasa" to include the Norbulingka area.

9. The "Belfries of Flanders and Wallonia" which were previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, are part of the transnational property "The Belfries of Belgium and France".

10. The "Chateau and Estate of Chambord", which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the "Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes".

11. The "Hadrian's Wall" which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the transnational property "Frontiers of the Roman Empire".

12. At the time the property was extended, cultural criterion (iv) was also found applicable.

13. The "Brihadisvara Temple, Tanjavur", which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the "Great Living Chola Temples".

14. At the time the property was extended, cultural criterion (iv) was also found applicable.

15. At the time the property was extended, criteria (iii) and (v) were also found applicable.

16. The Committee decided to extend the existing cultural property, the "Temple of Ggantija", to include the five prehistoric temples situated on the islands of Malta and Gozo and to rename the property as "The Megalithic Temples of Malta".

17. The Westland and Mount Cook National Park and the Fiordland National Park, which were previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, are part of the "Te Wahipounamu - South West New Zealand".

18. In 1979, the Committee decided to inscribe the Ohrid Lake on the World Heritage List under natural criteria (iii). In 1980, this property was extended to include the cultural and historical area, and cultural criteria (i)(iii)(iv) were added.

19. The "Convent Ensemble of San Francisco de Lima", which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the "Historic Centre of Lima".

20. Extension de " Sites d'art rupestre préhistorique de la vallée de Côa ", Portugal

21. Extension of "Biertan and its Fortified Church".

22. At the time the property was extended, natural criterion (iv) was also found applicable.

23. Extension of the "Alhambra and the Generalife, Granada", to include the Albayzin quarter.

24. Extension of the "Mosque of Cordoba".

25. The property "Parque Güell, Palacio Güell and Casa Mila in Barcelona", previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the "Works of Antoni Gaudí".

26. Extension of the "Churches of the Kingdom of the Asturias", to include monuments in the city of Oviedo.

27. Extension of the "Mudejar Architecture of Teruel".

28. Extension de " Sites d'art rupestre préhistorique de la vallée de Côa ", Portugal

29. Following a survey of ownership carried out in the late 1960s, ownership of the totality of the walls was vested in 1973 in the Spanish State, through the Ministry of Education and Science. It was transferred to the Xunta de Galicia by Royal Decree in 1994.

The Spanish Constitution reserves certain rights in relation to the heritage to the central government. However, these are delegated to the competent agencies in the Autonomous Communities, in this case the Xunta de Galicia. For the Lugo walls the Xunta is in the position of both owner and competent agency. Under the Galician Heritage Law the Xunta is required to cooperate with the municipal authorities in ensuring the protection and conservation of listed monuments, and certain functions are delegated down to them. The Xunta operates through its General Directorate of Cultural Heritage (Dirección General de Patrimonio Cultural), based in Santiago de Compostela.

The Master Plan for the Conservation and Restoration of the Roman Walls of Lugo (1992) covered proposals for actions to be taken in respect of research and techniques of restoration. This was followed in 1997 by the Special Plan for the Protection and Internal Reform of the Fortified Enceinte of the Town of Lugo, which is concerned principally with the urban environment of the historic town. However, it has a direct impact on the protection afforded to the walls, in terms of traffic planning, the creation of open spaces, and regulation of building heights. Another planning instrument which affects the walls is the Special Plan for the Protection of the Miño [river], approved by the municipality at the beginning of 1998.

There is at the present time no management plan sensu stricto for the walls in operation in Lugo: work is continuing on the basis of the 1992 plan. Nor is there a technical unit specifically responsible for the conservation and restoration of the walls. It is against this background that serious consideration is being given to the creation of an independent foundation, under royal patronage and with representatives from government, academic, voluntary, and business institutions, to work with the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage of Galicia. The work plan of this body would include the development and implementation of integrated conservation, restoration, and maintenance programmes.

30. The WH area is managed directly by the Divisional Forest Officer from the Forest Dept. A national steering Committee co-ordinates institutions for Sinharaja as a National Wilderness Area, Biosphere Reserve (1988), and WH site. There are two management plans, prepared in 1985/86 and 1992/94, which emphasise conservation, scientific research, buffer zone management, benefit-sharing, and community participation.

31. The "Hadrian's Wall" which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the transnational property "Frontiers of the Roman Empire".

32. Extension of "Gough Island Wildlife Reserve".

33. (renomination under cultural criteria)

34. Extension of the "Glacier Bay/Wrangell/St Elias/Kluane" property.

*: Transboundary / Transnational

#: As for 19 Natural and Mixed Properties inscribed for geological values before 1994, criteria numbering of this property has changed. See Decision 30.COM 8D.1

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UNESCO World Heritage Centre - World Heritage List

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This week, choose a contemporary artist to share with the class. The only requirement of your artist is that they work with ideas of community!

Your post should include an image of an artwork you liked and why. Explain the artwork to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about your artist's style and message (what are they trying to communicate with the viewer). You should find this in their artist's statement.

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at more of their artist's work. Respond to their post by sharing another work you found and give your opinion on this artist and their work. Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful.

Your grade is based on the following:

1. Your post meets expectations

2. You comment on a peer's post and share another work

3. You respond to whoever comments on your post.

**If no one has commented on your post, please just jump in and join another conversation.

In total you should have 1 original post, 1 comment to a peer, and 1 response to the comment left on your post.

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Hi Everyone! Welcome to Art History! To begin, tell us a little about yourself:

1) What's your name and anticipated major?

2) Why are you taking this class?

3) What are your favorite things to do in your free time?

4) Favorite movies?

5) Do you have any pets? Children? Feel free to share a fun picture of you, or of your pet! Or put your pet in your video!

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This week, choose a contemporary artist to share with the class. They should fit the week's theme of Spirituality.

Your post should include an image of an artwork you liked and why. Explain the artwork to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about your artist's style and message (what are they trying to communicate with the viewer). You should find this in their artist's statement.

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at more of their artist's work. Respond to their post by sharing another work you found and give your opinion on this artist and their work. Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful.

Your grade is based on the following:

1. Your post meets expectations

2. You comment on a peer's post and share another work

3. You respond to whoever comments on your post.

**If no one has commented on your post, please just jump in and join another conversation.

In total you should have 1 original post, 1 comment to a peer, and 1 response to the comment left on your post.

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Hi everyone!

I'm Dr. Sluis, and I'd love to share a bit about me!

I studied art history at the University of Oklahoma (BOOMER SOONER!), and I did my graduate work in art history at Oklahoma State University. I earned my doctorate degree in Applied Learning Sciences through the University of Miami.

I live in Tomball with my husband, our 18-month old daughter, and our two pups. In my free time, I like to spend time outdoors with my family, paint, read, and travel! We also have a toddler running around, so we stay busy these days. I've included a collage of pictures from some of our family traditions, trip to Greece this summer, and of my daughter, Cece.

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This week, choose a any work of art that is in the medium of drawing or painting. Explain the medium and how the artist creates the work.

Your post should include an image of an artwork you liked and why. Explain the artwork to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about the function of the artwork and where it was found.

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at the artwork of your peer. Respond to their post by sharing your thoughts and takeaways from their post.

Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful.

Your grade is based on the following:

1. Your post meets expectations

2. You comment on a peer's post.

3. You respond to whoever comments on your post.

**If no one has commented on your post, please just jump in and join another conversation.

In total you should have 1 original post, 1 comment to a peer, and 1 response to the comment left on your post.

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This week, choose a church from the Middle Ages or the Reanissance. No contemporary artists this week! Pick from any country in the world as long as the church is either considered Medieval (500-1500) or Renaissance (1400-1700).

Your post should include an image of the site you chose and why you liked it. Explain the site to us and why you chose it. What is your favorite feature or artwork within the site? Make sure to give a few sentences about your site's history.

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at their site. Respond to their post by sharing another fact or artwork you found that is within the site. Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful.

Your grade is based on the following:

1. Your post meets expectations

2. You comment on a peer's post and share another work

3. You respond to whoever comments on your post.

**If no one has commented on your post, please just jump in and join another conversation.

In total you should have 1 original post, 1 comment to a peer, and 1 response to the comment left on your post.

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Share your Tableau Vivant with your classmates!

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Share your Tableau Vivant with your classmates!

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Please share an image of the original artwork you chose along with your finished work.

In your post, make sure to tell us about your project briefly (200 words or under). Don't forget to comment on your peers' posts too!

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Holy Spirit prophetic worship painting created by Christian artist Lance Brown titled "Come Holy Spirit" 

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I chose this painting by Lance Brown because I feel it expresses spirituality at its height. By representing the enlightenment that comes with faith to those dedicated and faithful to their religion and belief in their god. To the point where it gives an individual an inner revelation or awakening which no one or anything can explain. Like the stories we read in certain holy books in which certain persons explain divine experiences which elevated them to higher consciousness or spiritual levels that are not easily obtained. And I feel Lance brown displays that in this artwork with the cross in the center of the being by expressing the spiritual revelation in which the Christians believe by receiving the holy spirit through baptism and faith in Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. Showing and inner revelation more than an outer revelation which can only be seen by the external eye. Also, the art depicts the being with his arms outstretched in faith ready to receive the blessing that comes from the invisible source which floods his body with the blessing that pours out from his God. As if he is in a state of communication with something divine that entices him to stretch his arms forth in acceptance of the gift given to his spirit from the heavens. - Michael Bradley

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For this week, an artist that I picked is Alex gray who was a visionary painter known for his detailed depictions of the human body that intertwined with cosmic and spiritual imagery. One of his art work that stood out to me is Theologue. He paints a transparent human figure that is surrounded by radiant colors, energy lines and also a scared geometry which suggesting a deep connection that is between the individual soul and the universe. What I find powerful about this art is how it visualizes the invisible, our inner light, energy, and our essences. In a way that feels both scientific and mystical .

Gray's style combines anatomical precision's with transcendental symbolism that bridges The Physical and spiritual realms. Gray hopes to help other people recognized their own divine essence and to foster unity between their body, mind, and their spirit. This artwork made me reflect on how spirituality is not just external rituals but it is also an inner journey for awareness and connections

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I like this artwork because it shows a young Lady sitting at a table with a book reading and I automatically thought of the word of God I sit and read my bible, and the reason why I read is for the importance of my growth in ministry. As i read her biography she reflects on how important God's word is and how it impacts our growth and faith in God. We must read our bible in order to communicate with our higher power and to be able to get instructions on how to conduct ourselves as belivers living in this world.

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Hello All! My name is Sarah! I'm currently working toward Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy. I'm taking this class to fulfill a credit requirement, but I'm also genuinely interested in learning more about the arts.

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Hello All! My name is Sarah! I'm currently working toward Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy. I'm taking this class to fulfill a credit requirement, but I'm also genuinely interested in learning more about the arts.

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In my free time, I love running, exploring new foods, learning new things, and spending time with my sweet Yorkshire Terrier, Louis. I enjoy watching rom coms, comedies, action, and anything a little sappy. Some of my favs are Man on Fire, Due Date, and The Notebook. Wishing you all a great class and semester!

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I really love and support Rick Lowe’s movement as well. It’s such a great and powerful example of how art can actually lead to real change, not just in theory but in people’s everyday lives. More of what we need in the world! I think it’s amazing how he brings together art, community, and support in a way that actually helps people, especially young single mothers. Providing housing while also building a sense of empowerment and self sufficiency is something we don’t see enough of.

What stands out to me is how he doesn’t treat art as something separate from real life more of it becoming a tool for connection, healing & growth. It’s like he’s using creativity to rebuild communities from the inside out, and that’s very inspiring. The world definitely needs more of this kind of work! Art that doesn’t just hang in galleries, but actually touches lives and helps people move forward through trial and tribulations. It’s made me think differently about what art can be and how it can serve others in meaningful ways. I just love it !

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I found JooYoung Choi’s Cosmic Womb to be a fascinating fictional universe she created. This imaginative world is more than just fantasy it’s a way for Choi to explore deep ideas about personal history, identity, and especially trauma and resilience. Through the stories and characters, she gives form to feelings of loss, displacement, and the struggle to belong, which many people experience but often find hard to express. The Cosmic Womb becomes a safe space where difficult emotions can be faced and understood. I find it SUPER powerful about Choi’s work is how she uses this universe to show that resilience is connected to finding a sense of belonging and identity. In a world where many may feel disconnected, her art reminds us that community and storytelling can help us reclaim our stories and heal together. And be accepted as we are!

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For Art and Spirituality I decided on James Turrell. His art transforms light and space into something that can be experienced deeply. His installations don’t just show you light, they make you feel it, changing how you see and understand the world around you. The way he uses the golden rectangle, a shape that can be known for its natural balance and harmony, makes the spaces feel calm and perfect. When I view his works, it’s like stepping into a place of meditation where time slows down or stops. I find myself becoming more aware of my own thoughts and feelings, almost like a spiritual experience. Or meditation. In today’s fast paced world, his art offers a rare moment to pause and connect with something larger than just myself. Its powerful to realize that something as simple as light, shaped in just the right way, can open up a new way of seeing and being. Its truly inspiring.

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I love this painting by Larry Poncho Brown called The Beat of the Drum because it speaks to the true meaning of Spirituality for me. In my interpretation of the painting, It's showing a connection of self, inner-self, music, dance, and connection of nature and the Sun. To me, spirituality is just that. The connection of self and everything around us. Spirituality is not just one thing. I can hear music/singing or even just a beat and I feel connected to the source of all life. I can move my body through dance or exercise and feel a spiritual connection. I've been in meditation and felt connected to Spirit. Also being near water, being in the Sun, and many other simple things throughout my day, make me feel spiritual. Larry emphasizes that his work attempts to capture SOUL while purposely depicting positive representation of African America culture. This artwork definitely does that for me.

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The artist of this work is Hilma af Klint, a Swedish painter widely regarded as a pioneer of abstract art. The title of the painting is Altarpiece No. 1, and I chose it because of its deep spiritual significance and visual power. What I appreciate most about this artwork is its simplicity combined with profound meaning. Through the use of geometric shapes and radiant colors, Hilma af Klint conveys complex ideas clearly and symbolically. Her style reflects a cosmic relationship between the physical world and the spiritual dimension, inviting viewers to think beyond what is visible. In the composition, the rising pyramid symbolizes the journey of human consciousness, while the golden circle at the top represents the divine source, enlightenment, and the sun itself. This painting speaks of transformation, spiritual ascension, and humanity’s ultimate quest for unity with the divine. I feel like this artwork displays the hidden truths and universal knowledge that is beyond the physical world.

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I was attracted to one painting in particular which depicted amorphous figures coming together and breaking apart, as if the images were souls shifting and reforming. Colors transformed from dark to warm hues, the edges softened, forms became more ethereal than physical.

Ay Tjoe’s style is abstract expressionist. She uses hard lines and heavy brush strokes, there is a tension between clear and indistinct forms. She will often merge human shapes with symbolic or geometric forms, to create a visual metaphor rather than a literal depiction.

In her artist’s statement, she refers to faith as a “God-given task” which she explores through her work: imperfection, struggle, redemption, and connectivity.

Her work is not didactic, it creates a space of emotional resonance where the human and divine intersect.

I selected her because in her art I find honesty: she depicts not only idealized images, but the full chaos and complexity of spiritual life. The forms she creates are both fragile and powerful, and she entices you to enter into mystery rather than explain it.

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This week, I want to share the work of Olafur Eliasson, a contemporary artist whose work explores perception, nature, and spirituality. One artwork that really stood out to me is “The Weather Project” (2003) at the Tate Modern in London. For this installation, Eliasson created a huge glowing sun inside the museum, combined with mist and reflective light, which made visitors feel like they were part of the environment. I chose this artwork because it transforms something as ordinary as the sun into an amazing and almost magical experience. Eliasson blends art, science, and nature in a way that encourages viewers to pay attention to the world around them and to notice details they might normally overlook. According to his artist statement, he wants people to reflect, be present, and feel a sense of wonder. Overall, “The Weather Project” invites calm, thoughtful reflection and reminds viewers of their connection to nature and to each other.

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One artwork that I really enjoy for this week is Vincent van Gogh's starry Night. This piece is an oil paint that was created on canvas. Van Gogh's use thick expressive brushstroke in a technique which is called impasto, where the pain is applied so heavily that the texture of the strokes themselves become part of the art work. This gives the stars and the sky a sense of movement and energy that feels almost alive.

Another reason why I picked this art because it captures both a personal expression of the artist's inner feelings and a universal sense of wonder when looking at the night sky. The function of this artwork can also been seen as emotional and symbolic. This also reflect on how Van Gogh's had struggled with his mental health while he was also seeing a hope through light in darkness.

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Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away, 2013. Wood, metal, glass mirrors, plastic, acrylic panel, rubber, LED lighting system, acrylic balls, and water, 287.7 × 415.3 × 415.3 cm. Courtesy of David Zwirner, N.Y. © Yayoi Kusama

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Hello everyone,

Today I present to you Infinity Rooms by Yayoi Kusama - installations that take you on a surreal journey into a limitless universe. The picture above is just one of the most famous Infinity Rooms whichs is called The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away. It features twinkling LED lights that reflect endlessly in all directions, making it feel as though you’re floating in space. The experience is meant to be both meditative and overwhelming, evoking a sense of wonder and introspection. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re inside, as the boundaries between space and reflection dissolve.

First created in the 1960s, Kusama Infinity Rooms are immersive installations made using mirrors, LED lights, and reflective surfaces that create the illusion of infinite space. When you step inside, your reflection is multiplied over and over, making the room seem boundless. But these rooms are more than just a visual spectacle—they carry deep meaning tied to Kusama’s personal journey and her reflections on life, the universe, and mental health.They’re also Kusama’s way of expressing her lifelong obsession with infinity and repetition. Kusama has spoken openly about her experiences with hallucinations and mental illness, describing how she sees the world covered in repeating patterns, dots, and shapes. These experiences are central to her art.

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The spiritual art I chose for this week is called the "The Last Supper" by Salvador Dali.This painting was made in the 1950s by Salvador Dali who was a well known Spanish painter.As there isnt much information about Dali's thoughts about this painting it is known that he was catholic and wanted to recreate the historical last supper painting that was made by Da VInci. It is also knwon that he wanted to make his recreation more symmetrical and emphasized the postivion of each of the apostles to make sure the painting was symmetrical as possibleOne last thing that was known he emphasized was the number 12, being that there was 12 apostole .I chose this painting becuase it resembles a historical moment in the Catholic church and the artist clearly had a style that he really wanted which was to be symmetrical and it also truly is a nice piece of art.

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I also wanted to chose the artist Alex Grey because I believe his art is heavily inspired by themes of spirituality. I chose this artwork specifically because it shows all of the things that Alex Grey is known for in his art like weird skinless people, waves of light looking stuff, eyeballs shooting out with fire, and geometric shapes. I also like Alex Grey because he made art for the band Tool. Alex Grey is known for blending science and spirituality into his art and his art shows the deep connection between the physical and spiritual parts of life. Alex Grey wants to help people see beyond the surface and think about their inner selves and their connection to the universe. “Art is the process of putting into form what is in formlessness, in order to allow that which is formless to become visible.” is a quote from Alex Grey that fully encompasses the message in his art.

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Barnett Newman, Stations of the Cross, First Station (Jesus is Condemned)

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This week I chose artist Barnett Newman and a painting from his series "Stations of the Cross." I chose this painting due to its simplicity to express the Grace of Christ at the cross, and the overwhelming darkness of human sin. The more I look at the painting the more I feel like the darkness of the painting is trying to fight its way through the zip. Even though this painting is just a mere white line with black marks to the sides, it gives the viewer its own experience of what their faith, their spirituality belief. It gives the viewer their own experience of the pain and suffering that came with the cross, without seeing an image of Christ at the cross. That experience is exactly what Newman was aiming for. Barnett Newman wanted to give the viewer a fundamental experience of existence, not a narrative. He was looking to give the viewer a reanimation of the trauma of Jesus Christ at the cross.

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Celia Paul's artwork has a consistent sense of spirituality within her works. The piece I've chosen to share, and highlight is called "Study: My mother and the Cross". The painting has a quality of isolationism given the lack of definite material to focus on. The exception is Paul's deliberate use of light and her quick brush strokes that reveal a path to be seen in the mother's visual path. A pair of bars from a window that bleeds light onto the surrounding area of the lady but only barred within the edges of the canvas. The lady's expression is solemn and appears appreciative of the light coming on towards her in what may be a relatively dark building. There is symbolism with faith with the shape of the bars just tying all of the attributes with the general isolated stance of the lone woman in a dark building. Leaves the viewer to think about things outside of what the canvas is showing. Which drives itself into the theme of spirituality not just a singular instance but what that instance can further connect to.

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This week I chose this particular artwork because it's really important to me and my religion. I've always admired the thought of detailed poured into this painting ever since I was a toddler and really loved the vibe it would give off. The last supper was painted between 1494 and 1498 shows when Jesus announces one of his disciples (followers) will betray him. Leonardo Da Vinci paints the emotional reactions of each apostle (messenger/ someone to spread the teachings) symbolizing faith, tension, and unity.

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For this week's topic on spirituality, I chose Jamali, a Pakistani-American artist whose style is called Mystical Expressionism. I thought he would be a good fit for this week's discussion because spirituality is the focal point of his art. Jamali blends painting with experimental techniques like rich colors and creative textures that make his artwork otherworldly. His art isn't just about showing an image; it's about taking you to a different sense of self. One of his pieces that I really liked is this abstract portrait of a woman. I chose this because it feels almost alive, and it's looking right into your soul. I feel like it reflects most battles many of us face with spiritualism. Jamali is inspired by Sufi Muslim traditions, and he uses art as a way to explore the divine and the connection beyond self. His work shows how spirituality can be so deeply personal, but also universally felt.

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I chose Carla Jay Harris’s piece The Ways of Gods (2020) because it really stood out to me as both powerful and spiritual. The work mixes photography, digital painting, and acrylic, which gives it this layered, almost dream-like quality. The figure in the piece feels larger than life, like it’s caught somewhere between the human world and a higher, spiritual realm. That balance of the everyday with the divine is what made me stop and really think about it. Harris states, “I just think we’re living in an anxious and chaotic world, and I feel like spirituality is a way to deal with that". Harris’s overall style often combines personal history, mythology, and fantasy to create images that feel at once familiar and otherworldly. In her artist statement, she explains that she’s interested in belonging, memory, and identity, and how these connect to bigger myths and spiritual ideas. I think that comes across clearly here. She’s not just showing us a figure, but also asking us to think about what stories, gods, or myths shape who we are. I chose this piece because it communicates that sense of spirituality in a way that feels both universal and personal.

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Perhaps the most influential artist of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso may be best known for pioneering Cubism and fracturing the two-dimensional picture plane in order to convey three-dimensional space. Inspired by African and Iberian art, he also contributed to the rise of Surrealism and Expressionism. Picasso's sizable oeuvre grew to include over 20,000 paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures,ceramics, theater sets, and costume designs. He painted his most famous work, Guernica (1937), in response to the Spanish Civil War; the totemic grisaille canvas remains a definitive work of anti-war art. At auction, a number of Picasso's paintings have sold for more than $100 million. The indefatigable artist has been the subject of exhibitions at the world's most prestigious institutions, from the Museum of Modern Art and Centre Pompidou to the Stedelijk Museum and Tate Modern.

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Carla Jay Harris | The Ways of Gods (2020) | Available for Sale | Artsy

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Available for sale from Luis De Jesus Los Angeles, Carla Jay Harris, The Ways of Gods (2020), Photography, digital painting, and acrylic on paper mounted on Dibond, 39 × 57 1/4 in

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(Repost because it posted as anonymous the first time, Lacy Hester) I chose Carla Jay Harris’s piece The Ways of Gods (2020) because it really stood out to me as both powerful and spiritual. The work mixes photography, digital painting, and acrylic, which gives it this layered, almost dream-like quality. The figure in the piece feels larger than life, like it’s caught somewhere between the human world and a higher, spiritual realm. That balance of the everyday with the divine is what made me stop and really think about it. Harris states, “I just think we’re living in an anxious and chaotic world, and I feel like spirituality is a way to deal with that". Harris’s overall style often combines personal history, mythology, and fantasy to create images that feel at once familiar and otherworldly. In her artist statement, she explains that she’s interested in belonging, memory, and identity, and how these connect to bigger myths and spiritual ideas. I think that comes across clearly here. She’s not just showing us a figure, but also asking us to think about what stories, gods, or myths shape who we are. I chose this piece because it communicates that sense of spirituality in a way that feels both universal and personal.

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Perhaps the most influential artist of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso may be best known for pioneering Cubism and fracturing the two-dimensional picture plane in order to convey three-dimensional space. Inspired by African and Iberian art, he also contributed to the rise of Surrealism and Expressionism. Picasso's sizable oeuvre grew to include over 20,000 paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures,ceramics, theater sets, and costume designs. He painted his most famous work, Guernica (1937), in response to the Spanish Civil War; the totemic grisaille canvas remains a definitive work of anti-war art. At auction, a number of Picasso's paintings have sold for more than $100 million. The indefatigable artist has been the subject of exhibitions at the world's most prestigious institutions, from the Museum of Modern Art and Centre Pompidou to the Stedelijk Museum and Tate Modern.

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Carla Jay Harris | The Ways of Gods (2020) | Available for Sale | Artsy

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Available for sale from Luis De Jesus Los Angeles, Carla Jay Harris, The Ways of Gods (2020), Photography, digital painting, and acrylic on paper mounted on Dibond, 39 × 57 1/4 in

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I chose James Turrell because his work deeply engages with themes of spirituality, perception, and light as a divine force. His installation Aten Reign transformed the Guggenheim Museum’s rotunda into a meditative, glowing space of color and light. The viewer stands in silence beneath a vast dome of slowly shifting hues, blues, purples, pinks, and whites, that seem to pulse with energy. There is no solid object to focus on; instead, you become immersed in the experience, similar to entering a sacred space. It’s not just seen, it's felt.

Turrell’s work often references the Quaker tradition (in which he was raised), emphasizing inner light, stillness, and direct personal experience of the divine. His artist statement says, "I am interested in the thingness of light itself, and the way we perceive light as a material presence." He aims to create environments that allow us to confront perception itself, inviting quiet contemplation and inner awareness.

I chose this work because it reminded me of how light can be spiritual, how places of worship often use stained glass or open skylights to connect people with something beyond the physical. Turrell’s work does this without symbols or narrative, just light, space, and stillness.

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The artist I chose is El Anatsui, a contemporary artist from Ghana who makes amazing art from recycled materials like bottle caps and metal scraps. One artwork I really like is called Dusasa II. It’s a giant wall piece made from thousands of pieces of metal woven together like fabric. Even though it’s made from trash, it looks like gold cloth shining on the wall.

I chose this artwork because it reminds me of how something broken or thrown away can become something beautiful and powerful kind of like how people can grow and change. El Anatsui’s style mixes old traditions with new ideas, and his message is about transformation, unity, and sprit. His art makes me think about how everything is connected and how beauty can come from unexpected places. That’s why I think it fits the theme of spirituality it’s peaceful and inspiring.

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For this week, the artist I picked is Miwa Komatsu, and a painting from her recent art exhibition held in Sapporo, Japan, called the “Three Guardians Gatekeeping the Heat and Cold” (2021). The main reason I picked this painting is because I think this piece shows all of the things that she is known for in her art like fantastical creatures, intricate patterns, and a vibrant color palette and also just how eye-catching it was (though pretty much all of her art are pretty eye-catching), with all of the different mixtures of colors and how asymmetrically symmetric it is (if that makes sense), and how curious it made me about what it symbolized and represented to her. Miwa Komatsu is known for blending elements of traditional Japanese art with contemporary styles in her art and her art also shows a deep connection between physical and spiritual parts of life. THis peice depicts three yamainu (mountain dog) spirits that she said would appear in her home prefecture and would give her guidance when she was lost or late getting home (These are also cousins to the horned canine spirits that guard Japanese shrines). These spirits, along with many others, show up a lot in her art and are made to be guardians/guides to the spiritual realm that we as humans rarely access, but to Miwa Komatsu they are her source of inspiration and also part of her life mission to give them a visual form.

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Matrell Vigers post

I chose Still Life with Absinthe by Vincent van Gogh. The medium used is oil paint on canvas. The painting shows a café table set with a glass of absinthe and a carafe of water, used to dilute the drink. Van Gogh painted this during his time in Paris, where he was heavily influenced by Impressionism and the lively café culture. Absinthe was a popular drink at the time, especially among artists and writers, and it often symbolized creativity, escape, and sometimes even madness. I think what makes this scene compelling is the way Van Gogh captures a quiet, intimate moment in an otherwise social setting.  I like how the table appears to be near a window, suggesting the peaceful act of people-watching from inside a café. Despite being painted in the 1800s, the setting feels familiar and timeless. The carafe and glass are items you could easily see in a café today, which makes the painting feel both historical and relatable. I find it interesting how Van Gogh used a simple still life to reflect the atmosphere of everyday life and the culture of his time.

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This week, choose a any work of art that is in the medium of printmaking or sculpture. Explain the medium and how the artist creates the work.

Your post should include an image of an artwork you liked and why. Explain the artwork to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about the function of the artwork and where it was found.

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at the artwork of your peer. Respond to their post by sharing your thoughts and takeaways from their post.

Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful.

Your grade is based on the following:

1. Your post meets expectations

2. You comment on a peer's post.

3. You respond to whoever comments on your post.

**If no one has commented on your post, please just jump in and join another conversation.

In total you should have 1 original post, 1 comment to a peer, and 1 response to the comment left on your post.

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Tô Ngọc Vân.Thiếu nữ bên hoa huệ.1943.Oil on canvas

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"Thiếu nữ bên hoa huệ" (Young Woman with Lilies)

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"Thiếu nữ bên hoa huệ" (Young Woman with Lilies)

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Hello everyone,

For this week discussion, I've decided to choose a painting that I liked since I was in high school. It's an artwork of Tô Ngọc Vân who is from my home country, Vietnam, called "Thiếu nữ bên hoa huệ" (Young Woman with Lilies).

It is hard to explain why I like this painting. Since the first time I looked at it, it was always in my mind. Perhaps the girl in the painting possesses an irresistible charm making it is unforgettable once looked at.

The painting is about a young woman in a white "Áo dài" (Vietnamese traditional dress) sits beside a vase of white lilies.

Tô Ngọc Vân’s artistic style in "Thiếu nữ bên hoa huệ" is highly distinctive. He uses gentle, bright colors to create a pure and graceful atmosphere. The details in the painting are rendered with subtlety—from the girl’s posture to the white lilies. The harmonious blend of imagery and color not only highlights the beauty of the central figure but also brings the painting to life with emotion and vitality.

It is one of the most iconic paintings in Vietnamese art history.

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I chose Albrecht Durer’s Praying Hands. It’s a simple pencil drawing of two hands pressed together in prayer form, but the amount of detail put into it makes it really powerful. You can see every wrinkle, shadow, and shape of the fingers, which makes the hands look surreal. Even though it’s just a simple black and white sketch, it feels full of emotion and meaning.

I like this piece because it’s peaceful and spiritual in a quiet way. It reminds me of faith, love, and hope, and how even a simple gesture can express something deep. The drawing shows how art doesn’t always need bright colors or fancy materials to make people feel something.

The function of this work was originally as a study for a larger painting that Durer was creating, so it was meant to help him plan the final piece. Over time the drawing itself became famous on its own because of how realistic and moving it is. Praying Hands artwork can be found today in the Albertina Museum in Vienna, Austria.

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I found Christina's World by Andrew Wyeth appealing. Truth be told I was looking for a random painting but I appreciate the liminality of the environment yet a sense a longing the painting conveys(at least to me personally). Some background for the painting is about the girl in the picture, Christina Olsen, is she is the artist's neighbor who had polio. She had a farm and with her not wanting a wheelchair to hold her down, she would have to crawl around the farm to get around. Especially given the fact that there's no trees except the vast expanse of the tall grass, you feel the isolation that Christina lives through with her polio. The painting was made in 1948 and the artist, Wyeth, saw Olsen crawling through the fields with a sense of determination. While she did have polio, that wasn't stopping her. So with everything in mind, I think the function of the painting is to show that even in isolation and sickness, the human spirit persist. The art work uses the tempera painting as the medium, which considering looking into Wyeth, he was an American Realist painter. So it's not out of character for Wyeth to adopt this medium for the style.

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The artwork "Rebirth" by artist Manabu Ikeda was completed in 2016. It took 3 years to complete. The reason I chose to share this artwork is because I loved the story behind the creation. Ikeda started his artwork two years after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. The name Rebirth comes from the action the people of Japan took to rebuild their country. Ikeda uses the pencil to sketch on canvas, and then he primary works with pen and acrylic ink with brush work to fill in areas that are dense with details. Ikeda wanted to show in his drawing the beauty in chaos, showing a tree rising from the damages natural disaster storm left. The details of the debris the storm left on the roots of the rising tree are amazing! I love how Ikeda uses that to show the public the mess Japan was left with after the storm, but even through all that they were able to create something beautiful. The colors he used are beautiful pastel colors, giving the artwork the ability to transmit peace during the storm.

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This medium is a beautiful piece of artwork first complementing how children interact with a dog that is of a different nature and the dog moves as if it is enjoying it self also. I myself like dogs because they are a creation of God. He created everything so I can't help but to love what he loves. Then the fact the picture gives the vibe of a nice summer day playing in water and depending on the type of dog they tend to like water and the sun also. I believe this is what the artist is portraying that they are getting wet having fun together but not just as human beings but with a dog that's of a different species showing how they can interact and get along. This artwork looks as if the artist used both watercolor and Gouache. watercolor having a water-soluble paint that is creating fluid. and the water and acrylic is showing a matte finish.

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The art work "the great wave off kanagawa" by Hokusai is very nostalgic to me. I remember being young and seeing this everywhere in multiple restaurants, and many other places. this art work reminds me of noy only my childhood but my grandpa, every time I seen this art work it was with him. I'm happy I was able to see this again. This Japanese panting  has a very rich history; its tradition is vast, while Japan’s unique position in the world largely influenced the dominant styles and techniques of Japanese artist.

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One artwork that I really like is Girl with a Pearl Earring painted by Johannes Vermeer in 1665. The medium is oil on canvas which lets the artist work slowly and carefully since the paint does not dry quickly. This allowed Vermeer to blend colors smoothly and create very soft shadows and light effects that make the young woman’s face look almost lifelike. He also used thin layers of paint and small touches of white to make the pearl look like it is glowing. I chose this painting because it feels both simple and mysterious. The background is completely dark so the focus is only on her face and the pearl. The way she is turning her head and looking at the viewer makes it seem like she has just noticed us, but at the same time we do not know who she is or what she is thinking. This makes the painting feel very alive even though it is over three hundred years old. Today the artwork can be found in the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, Netherlands and it is considered one of the most famous portraits in the world.

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For my art piece that I've chosen to highlight this week is called "Pond in the Woods" which was made by Georgia O'Keeffe in 1922. It is a art piece that's medium is pastel on paper. I think the most interesting thing about the art piece is the effect of almost an optical illusion in the way the spiraling colors slowly gain in expansion as they exit the edges of the paper. I guess another interesting detail is despite its name and compared to other works of Okeeffe's the name correlation with the artwork itself isn't as clear as other works. Especially with how abstract some of the other works are. It's definitely not to say it isn't recognizable but there are some clues to lead in the viewer. One of those being are the colors of artwork which are very earthy tones used along with generally nature reminiscent features that people will pick up on. Of course, what O'Keeffe is widely known for is the influences of familiar landscapes. These two coincide with the crescent shape within the center being proof of the theme being nature and its great impact with how universally recognizable it can be to people with O'Keeffe being a prime example.

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The art piece I chose for this week is "Water Lilies" by Claude Monet (1916). The medium of this piece is oil painting, where pigments are mixed with oil to create rich, layered colors. Claude Monet was one of the leading figures of Impressionism, a movement focused on capturing light, color, and the feeling of a moment rather than sharp, realistic details. He created "Water Lilies" using short, visible brushstrokes and blended hues to reflect how light danced on the surface of his garden pond in Giverny, France. The oil medium allowed him to build up soft transitions and depth, giving the painting a peaceful, almost dreamlike quality.

I chose this artwork because it feels calm and meditative, like you can almost feel the stillness of the water and the warmth of the sunlight. The function of Water Lilies was to capture the fleeting beauty of nature and show how light changes what we see. The series was inspired by Monet’s own garden which I found very interesting, and many of these works are now displayed in museums such as the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

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The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh is an iconic painting created with oil on canvas. Van Gogh used thick, swirling brushstrokes to build texture and movement in the night sky, applying oil paints in layers that allowed for vibrant colors and intense emotion. Oil paint as a medium is prized for its slow drying time, which gives artists flexibility to blend colors and rework details.

Van Gogh created this painting while in a mental asylum in Saint-Rémy, France, around 1889. The work captures a turbulent sky over the quiet village, reflecting both the external world and the artist’s inner emotional state. It functions as an expressive, almost dreamlike vision rather than a literal landscape, inviting viewers to feel the intensity of his experience.

I chose this artwork because of its dynamic use of color and texture, which feels alive and evocative even after more than a century. The way Van Gogh uses paint to convey emotion is inspiring and demonstrates the power of the medium beyond just representation.

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the artist I chose was John Blanche, a British artist best known for his hyper detailed artwork for the Warhammer fantasy and science fiction universes, particularly Warhammer 40,000. His style blends gothic, medieval, and punk styles which creates a very unique visual look that helped define the tone of Warhammer. Blanche’s artwork often shows chaotic battle scenes, giant battle machines, and heavily detailed characters that help sell the grim and dystopian world of the games. His work sets up the mood for the game, which can inspire storytelling, and help understand the complex worldbuilding behind the miniatures and novels. His illustrations appeared all over in rulebooks and White Dwarf magazine. His influence is still felt today making him one of the most important visual artists in the Warhammer community.

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I opted for this painting of Crema, Italy, due to its alluring aesthetic and the charm of the Italian countryside that it conveys. It gives the impression of daylight basking the rolling hills and rustic buildings in a soothing and welcoming quality. The artist employs a soft, impressionistic style that resembles color and brushstrokes in a way to add movement and life to the land. The way the light touches the roofs and the streets creates a vibrancy to the town, which draws the viewer into the land. The artist's style communicates a sense of tranquillity and nostalgia by highlighting color, light, and composition instead of the precise detail to the painting. The loose brushstrokes and color palette work together to invite the viewer to experience the mood and overall impression of the place rather than the specifics of each element. I chose this painting because I am primarily fascinated by the aesthetic quality of the painting—there is a nice balance of color, light and dark, and depth that makes it very appealing. Reworking this image with my own hands allows me to explore these techniques and gain a better understanding of how the artist depicts atmosphere, beauty, and emotion.

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I chose a watercolor painting called "A Special Attraction" by Kara Walker. The medium is watercolor. It allows her to create soft layers of color as well as smooth transitions between light and shadows. I think it's interesting how watercolor can look delicate but still carry strong meaning and emotion. She uses fluid lines and subtle color washes to create figures and scenes that tell deeper stories about race, history, and identity. I liked this artwork because even though it isn't large and grand, it feels powerful and emotional. It's simple but haunting. The way she captures emotion and feeling through watercolor is stunning. This piece was created in 2014 and is now at the RISD Museum. The artwork reflects on themes of slavery and labor in the sugar industry. I love that it shows art can express deep cultural and historical meaning.

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This artwork by Arinze Stanley is a hyperrealistic drawing using only graphite and charcoal pencils. These drawings are made with so much detail that's they resemble a black and white photo. Stanley uses many different techniques to create these works of art, including scribbling and cross-hatching. He is able to create life-like skin tones, hair textures, and movement with perfect blending, shading and layering. I chose this artist and artwork because I love how he uses something as simple as a pencil, that most of us use daily, and create such a remarkable drawing. The artist has captured the emotion of this young girl fixing her hair while staring off into the distance while creating movement. Stanley's artwork showcases simple yet profound moments with black figures. The function of this artwork is expressive and representational. I love when I can see myself in artwork and I can see that here. His work was found his online art portfolio.

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The artwork I chose is The Persistence of Memory (1931) by Salvador Dalí. This piece was created using oil paint on canvas, a medium that allows for smooth blending and detailed textures. Dalí used very fine brushstrokes and a slow layering process to achieve the almost photographic look of the melting clocks and eerie landscape. I’ve always been fascinated by how dreamlike this painting feels. The soft, drooping clocks over hard surfaces seem impossible, yet they look completely real. To me, this shows how Dalí was exploring how time and memory can stretch or distort depending on our experiences. The painting is located in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. I chose it because it captures the strange mix of order and chaos that happens inside the human mind. Its function feels more philosophical than decorative. I think it challenges how we think about time, reality, and the way our thoughts bend both.

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The art piece that I'm picking is the "Landscape with Rocky Precipice" by Sessions Shūkei. Shūkei, a Japanese Monk and self-taught artist, is known for his bold, fluid/flowing, and rhythmic style of landscape paintings that were characterized by their diagonal brushstrokes that create more unconventional landscapes. This piece is a traditional Japanese ink wash painting, known as sumi-e, created on silk. The medium for this painting consists of black ink and water, which Shūkei manipulates to produce a work with varying shades and textures. Shūkei's use of brushstrokes is both deliberate and fluid, which I think helps capture the essence of the natural landscapes he depicts in his paintings. I chose this artwork because his works were a past interest of mine, and I remember being intrigued by his paintings due to their somewhat simplistic yet very complex way of depicting landscapes. The function of this painting is to evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation, which connects to Shūkei's life as a Japanese Zen Monk. It invites the viewer to pause and reflect on the harmony of the scene

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Matrell Vigers “Moulin Rouge: La Goulue” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is an example of the medium called printmaking. It was created using the lithograph printing technique, which allowed the artist to use multiple colors and bold designs. This iconic poster, made in 1891, was designed to advertise the famous Parisian cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, which is a lively nightclub known for its energetic can-can performances and vibrant social scene. The poster features the dancer La Goulue performing her signature high kick, with crowds of spectators in the background. Toulouse-Lautrec’s work captures the excitement and spirit of Parisian nightlife during the late 19th century and remains one of the most recognized posters in art history. This artwork embodies the energy of modern entertainment and nightlife in Paris. I chose this picture because it reminds me of the rhythm and blues atmosphere found in the southern states, where dance and music create a joyful sense of community. It also shows how rhythm and blues music and dance create a similar energy.  The piece shows how movement, music, and celebration can be beautifully captured in visual art.

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Matrell Vigers

“Moulin Rouge: La Goulue” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is an example of the printmaking medium. It was created using the lithograph printing technique, which allowed the artist to use multiple colors and bold designs. This iconic poster, made in 1891, was designed to advertise the famous Parisian cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, a lively nightclub known for its energetic can-can performances and vibrant social scene. The poster features the dancer La Goulue performing her signature high kick, with crowds of spectators in the background. Toulouse-Lautrec’s work captures the excitement and spirit of Parisian nightlife during the late 19th century and remains one of the most recognized posters in art history. This artwork embodies the energy of modern entertainment and nightlife in Paris. I chose this picture because it reminds me of the rhythm and blues atmosphere found in the southern states, where dance and music create a joyful sense of community. It also shows how rhythm and blues music and dance create a similar energy.  The piece shows how movement, music, and celebration can be beautifully captured in visual art.

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I selected this work because I admire Lawrence for his ability to use what could be interpreted as a simplistic style to create layered and complex narratives on community, life, and intellect. The function of this work is to record and honor the rich cultural and social environments in Black communities in Harlem during the mid-century. The work was discovered as a part of a larger series that Lawrence was commissioned by Fortune magazine to do, bringing this strong representation of the Black everyday to a national platform. This painting is beautiful to me because it is a celebration of the library both as a source of knowledge and as a shared public space. The medium of this work is tempera, a water-based paint in which the pigment is bound in a water-soluble glue; traditionally tempera was made with egg yolk, however, Lawrence frequently used commercially-made tempera, which he favored for its “raw, sharp, rough” quality. He applied the tempera paint in thin, flat, simplified areas of color; building form and creating depth through arrangement of these shapes instead of through modeled shading. This technique imbues the work with a striking graphic quality, rendered both directly and architecturally. 

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I chose this painting by Vincent Van Gogh first because the colors are cool and stand out. But it also shows the unity in which a community of people can come together for a time and labor as one. So that in the end they all benefit from the day's work. Looking at this painting also gives a sense of calm with the warm color scheme, and it seems the painter wanted to give the observer the feel of comradery and teamwork. Even how the sun is in a setting motion giving the feel that the day is almost at a close. - by Michael Bradley

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An artwork that I really liked and its one of the most famous sculptures in the world is the Statue of Liberty located in a small island in the state of New York.This sculpture was a gift to the United States by the French to celebreate freedom and democracy in 1886. It was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and the sculpture is made up of copper sheets over a metal framework. The sculpture shows a lady wearing some type of robe with a torch in her right hand, this is supposed to mean elightenment in the world. THe book in her left hand has the date July 4 1776, symbolizing the day the Us gained its independence from Britain. Today the copper has oxidized giving it its famous green color and its one of the most famous sculptures around the globe symbolzing the American freedom, hope and dream.

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One artwork that I really admire is “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai, created around 1831. This piece is an example of woodblock printmaking, a process where the artist carves an image into a wooden block, applies ink to the surface, and presses it onto paper to produce a print. Different blocks are used for each color, allowing for detailed, multi-colored images.

I chose this artwork because of its dramatic composition and striking sense of movement. The enormous wave towers over small boats, capturing the power of nature and the vulnerability of humans. Hokusai’s precise lines and layered colors create depth and energy, making it feel almost alive.

“The Great Wave off Kanagawa” was originally created in Japan as part of Hokusai’s series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. Its function was both decorative and educational, illustrating the natural world while appealing to a broad audience. Today, it can be found in museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This print remains iconic for its artistic mastery and cultural significance, demonstrating the enduring power of printmaking as a medium.

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The Veiled Virgin by Giovanni Strazza 1850

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The Veiled Virgin by Giovanni Strazza 1850

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The sculpture I picked this week is The Veiled Virgin by Giovanni Strazza

The material this piece is made from is marble. Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that is very hard and requires great care and effort to carve. It’s hard enough that when you see something carved out of marble, you expect to see a solid, sturdy object with heavy contours.The Veiled Virgin is one of the most surprising examples of marble sculpture because Strazza managed to create a veil of extremely thin, translucent material draped over the Virgin Mary’s face. The marble in this sculpture appears thin enough that it would tear with the slightest force, and in fact, the effect was only achieved by incredibly careful subtractive carving of a solid block of marble. The artist had to slowly chip away at the rock with chisels, grinders, and polishers to achieve the veil’s appearance. This requires an intuitive, almost preternatural knowledge of how light would fall on the different thicknesses of stone to make it seem soft and translucent.

I found this sculpture because in addition to being one of the greatest technical achievements in art history, it also carries a powerful emotional effect. The veil gives this sculpture a sense of serene mystery and divine intimacy. The purpose of the sculpture was for devotional private viewing and for its miraculous sculpture to inspire faith. It was carved in Rome, Italy, and is now located in the Presentation Convent, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.

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Pythocritos son of Timocharis of Rhodes, the Nike of samothrace, ca. 190 BC

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I chose this sculpture because it stood out as an image of confidence and strength. I really don't know the background history of this character in the sculpture, but I do know he looks like a prominent figure in the society of his time. It speaks great Greek history captured in time when you gaze upon statues like such where you can only imagine what the times of their era really consisted of in which the men of that society performed great works in which the community of that time erected a statue of his likeness in honor of him. And to think that in 190 BC people were sculpting such great artworks with perfection and precision to where the human likeness of the figure imitated is very like the actual person in which the sculpture was created. Which shows and proves the advancement of the Grecians in their skills of artisan and sculpting of artwork and expressions of their era. - Michael Bradley

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I came across this work of art while I was studying to become a Catholic. Therefore, this print left a deep impression in me. It is hard to say, but it is indeed a beautiful print. The artist, Rembrandt van Rijn, created this artwork in 1653. He used the drypoint and burin technique to depict the crucifixion of Christ with the two thieves on either side. He also created multiple states (versions) of this image, dramatically reworking the plate over time. The work is celebrated for its emotional intensity and masterful use of light and shadow.

The print captures the moment described in the Gospels when darkness fell over the land as Christ died. By using dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, he created a powerful sense of divine presence - a beam of light breaks through the darkness, illuminating Christ on the cross while the surrounding chaos and despair fade into shadow.

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I chose the sculpture Grounded in the Stars by Thomas J. Price. The sculpture is a monumental figurative bronze and was made using a combination of digital sculpting and lost-wax casting. It can be found in Times Square in New York. I found this sculpture very interesting mostly because of the backlash it has received. This artwork shows a beautiful, "regular", black woman standing with her hands on her hips. This artwork has had so many negative things said about it from "Why a black woman?" to "Why is she overweight?" But why not? She looks like many women I see everyday including my friends and family. Do they not deserve representation because of their skin color or the number on the scale or because they don't meet society's impossible standards? The function of this sculpture is to "challenge public perception of identity and representation by showcasing everyday black women with dignity and strength, in contrast to traditional monuments honoring specific historical figures."

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"El Salvador del Mundo" - Monument to the Divine Savior of the World.

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"El Salvador del Mundo" - Monument to the Divine Savior of the World.

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The monument I chose this week is called "El Salvador del Mundo". It is found in a small, beautiful country called El Salvador. The statue is Jesus Christ on top of the Earth, placed on a four-sided concrete pedestal. It is in the center of the country's capital San Salvador. Originally, the pedestal was used to decorate the tomb of a president of El Salvador between 1911 to 1913. This monument is a significant national symbol of the country, and in 1986 an earthquake caused the statue to fall off the pedestal. In support of rebuilding after the earthquake a campaign was held to raise money to rebuild the statue and place it back on its pedestal. The reason I chose this monument is one, because why not show a little of my roots. El Salvador is a beautiful country with so much more to enjoy and see, from beautiful views to amazing people, and of course delicious food! El Salvador has been on a route of reconstruction to make the country a better place to live and to visit. As for the monument, as a believer in Jesus Christ, I love how this monument reminds me that Jesus Christ is in control of the world, and that His whole mission has been to save the world.

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I discovered this artwork named Born by artist Kiki Smith (2002).

Medium: Bronze sculpture with etched and printed surfaces

Process: Sculpture and printmaking combined. Bronze casting, etching, and engraving. This piece is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. It has also been exhibited in other major art museums and galleries over the years. Kiki Smith is a well known contemporary artist whose works explore the human body, nature, and spirituality.This artwork looks very strange at first, but the meaning behind it is powerful. While it may not be one of my favorites, it’s interesting to see how Kiki Smith mixes sculpture and printmaking to explore ideas about birth, nature, and the connection between humans and animals. It also shows how unusual art can have deep meaning when you take the time to look closer. Although, when I first saw it, I wouldn’t have understood that meaning right away. Taking to time to read and known more about it helped.

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For my discussion post I chose The Great Wave off Kanagawa created by Katsushika Hokusai. This artwork is a woodblock print created japan during 1831. The medium used is ink and is made using the traditional technique ukiyo-e. This means that the artist carved an image into wooden blocks, then inked them, and pressed them onto paper to create multiple copies. I really like this piece because of how powerful and dramatic the wave looks, the image shows the scale and size of the wave. The difference in size between the huge wave and the small boats gives the sense of the uncontrollability in the face of nature. I also love the use of color, especially the deep blues and whites that make the wave stand out.

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Artwork: "The Thinker" by Auguste Rodin (1904)

Medium: Sculpture (Bronze)

A sculpture is a three-dimensional piece of art created by forming or accumulating material such as stone, metal, clay, or wood. For bronze sculptures such as The Thinker, the sculptor first models the form in wax or clay. Then a mold is taken around the model and molten bronze is filled into it using the lost-wax casting process. After cooling, the bronze is buffed and possibly treated with chemicals to produce a desired color or texture, called a patina.

The Thinker is the world's most famous sculpture. Rodin created it originally as one of several figures within a greater sculpture titled The Gates of Hell, based upon Dante's Inferno. The work is of a seated figure with his mind in thought, his body strained, grappling with a dominating idea. Rodin wanted to convey the strength of the emotions and inner conflict associated with thinking , something that few pieces of art at the time did not show.

Why I Chose It:

I chose The Thinker because of its raw emotional power and the way that it captures the feeling of intense mental focus. I also appreciate the way Rodin was able to depict something so intangible as "thought" so bodily and alive. The tension in the muscles and pose of the figure give it a sense of life and fight, which I think is incredibly powerful.

Originally intended to be a piece of a ornamented door for an unbuilt museum, The Thinker has lived on as a freestanding sculpture. It's commonly employed as a symbol of philosophy and man's contemplation. The original big bronze casting is located at the Parisian Musée Rodin but is replicated in many other places around the world, like the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia and alongside the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco.

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For this post, I have selected the drawing Heads of the Virgin and Child by Leonardo da Vinci. The medium used is charcoal on paper, specifically, black chalk (a form of natural charcoal). Charcoal is an elemental dry medium made from slow-burning organic material, like vine or willow wood, resulting in a soft carbon stick. It is known for its deep, rich blackness and its capacity for rapid, expressive mark-making.

Da Vinci masterfully utilized charcoal's properties to achieve remarkable sfumato effects. Because charcoal particles are loose, they can be easily manipulated, smudged, and blended across the paper, allowing him to create soft gradations of tone and shadow. This technique eliminates hard outlines, giving the figures a lifelike, gentle quality as they emerge from the shadows. The artist used sharp lines for definition in the eyes and nose, while employing soft blending for the volumetric modeling of the cheeks and forehead.

I chose this work because it demonstrates the full expressive potential of a drawing medium. It is an exceptional example of Da Vinci’s early exploration of light, shadow, and human emotion. The primary function of this piece was likely preparatory, a detailed cartoon or study intended to map out the composition, lighting, and facial expressions for a larger painting, such as the Virgin of the Rocks. This drawing is considered a foundational study for his later painted masterpieces and is currently held in the collection of the British Museum in London.

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I chose "Cloud Gate" by Anish Kapoor for this week's discussion, commonly known as The Bean. It is a large public sculpture located in Millennium Park in Chicago. The sculpture is made from stainless steel. Kapoor and his team created it by welding together over 160 steel plates and then polished the surface until all rough edges disappeared. This gives it its signature finish, which reflects the sky, skyline, and everyone who walks around it. I really like this sculpture because it blends art, architecture, and community. People often interact with it, whether it's taking photos or walking underneath it; overall, it makes it feel alive. The function of Cloud Gate is both artistic and social. It transforms a public space into a place of connection and art. I chose it because I had no idea about the backstory behind it. I'm glad I decided to choose it because its purpose is beautiful and should be better known.

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Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson is a large outdoor sculpture created in 1970 on the shore of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. It is made from rocks, mud, and salt, and forms a huge spiral that stretches out into the lake. This type of sculpture is called earthwork because it is built directly into the natural landscape using materials from the environment. I chose this piece because it is so different from traditional sculptures in museums. It is out in nature, constantly changing with the weather and water levels, which makes it feel alive and connected to the Earth. I think it is interesting that the artwork is not just something to look at but something to experience in person. The purpose of Spiral Jetty seems to be about showing the relationship between humans and nature and encouraging people to think about time, change, and the natural world. Even though it is in a remote location, that makes it even more powerful because people have to make an effort to go see it and connect with it in real life.

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This week's art piece that I chose to highlight and share is Nathan Hale. It was created by Frederick William MacMonnies in the years of 1889/1890. What drew to me to pick this artwork was the very heroic stance Hale was depicted in. Within this sculpture a sad story accompanies but at the same time because of what happened in history in what Hale chose to do with his situation it's become uplifting. William MacMonnies was given a limited description on what to do for the sculpture. And the result was incredibly impressive. I personally just find the sculpture very captivating. I believe a huge contributor are the placement of limbs that include the arms, hands, and the head itself of Hale. The stiff locked nature of Hale's legs and torso contrasts with implied mobility of the hands and head. The poised nature of his stance, the brave disgusted look displayed on his face, and the rugged nature of his once well-kept clothes all contribute to making the sculpture contrast more thus making it more interesting.

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The sculpture I chose for this week is Michelangelo's "Moses", a piece made out of marble, a material known for its durability and the fine detail it allows artists to achieve. Michelangelo's expertise in sculpting marble is evident in the intricate details of Moses' beard, muscles on his forearms, and the drapery of his clothes, which convey a sense of movement and texture. The process of making a sculpture like this involves careful chiseling and shaping, a testament to Michelangelo's skill patience, and attention to detail. The main reason I was drawn to this sculpture was because of its attention to detail to everything down to which muscle would flex and pop out whenever people's fingers move. Michelangelo's depiction of him goes beyond just making a sculpture that looks like a human Michelangelo's sculpture depicts not only physical likeness but also an emotional depth that captures the viewers attention.

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I decided to choose Smithson's 'Spiral Jetty' as the art for the week because there's a good bit going for it. This medium is different because it is a site specific earthwork sculpture, done in the Great Salt Lake of Utah, so it's basically a part of the land. The sculpture is one to be seen over the years to show the passage of time as it succumbs to wind and lake erosion. Basically Smithson got like almost 7000 lbs of basalt rocks and made them into the spiral you see up there. I love my art to have liminal aspects so for a sculpture that does things differently it makes me appreciate the piece even more with it being so isolated.

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For this week I picked The Great Wave off Kanagawa by the Japanese artist Hokusai, around 1830–1833. This is a woodblock print, specifically a ukiyo-e print, and the whole process for making it is honestly fascinating.

The medium is paper and water-based ink, but the technique is what's really impressive. It’s not like painting on one surface; it requires a team. Hokusai did the original drawing, but then specialized artisans carved a different wooden block for every single color used in the image. They needed separate blocks for the different shades of blue, the gray, and the subtle yellow of the boats. Then, the printmaker applies the water-based ink to one block, lays the paper on top, and rubs the back of the paper manually with a specialized tool called a baren. They repeat this process for each color block, which means the paper had to be aligned perfectly multiple times just to finish one print!

I chose this print because it’s so cool how dramatic and terrifying that massive, claw-like wave looks. It just captures your attention immediately, especially with tiny Mount Fuji sitting calmly in the background. The function of these ukiyo-e prints was for mass distribution—they were like tourist souvenirs or popular posters back then, showing off famous sights. Today, they are considered priceless, and excellent prints are housed in collections all over the place, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

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St. Peter's Basilica, constructed between 1506 and 1626, had several renowned architects who shaped its design over the years. These included Donato Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Each contributed significantly to the evolution of its architectural plan.

The basilica embodies both Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Bramante's original plan was based on a Greek cross layout, but this was later modified. Michelangelo, who played a pivotal role in designing the dome, introduced massive supporting piers to hold its enormous weight and shifted the plan toward a more centralized layout. Later, Bernini enhanced the basilica’s Baroque character, especially in the richly decorated interior and the dramatic design of St. Peter’s Square, amplifying the theatricality characteristic of the Baroque period.

I chose St. Peter’s Basilica because I have had the opportunity to visit St. John Cathedral in Lafayette, Louisiana, the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Each building was constructed with deeply religious stories and adorned with beautiful works of art.

St. Peter’s Basilica remains an active Catholic church, used for daily Mass, sacraments, and prayer. It is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christianity, believed to be built over the tomb of St. Peter, one of Jesus’s apostles and the first pope. Each year, millions of visitors come to pray, attend services, and experience the spiritual and artistic richness of this sacred space.

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The print is a well-known example of Catlett's work, which often focused on the strength and dignity of African American women. Catlett, a sculptor and printmaker, was an influential artist who dedicated her career to social justice and the experiences of marginalized people. I love this printmaker its face structure looks so realistic. The shading is also wonderful!

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Beaux-Arts – Grand Central Terminal, New York City

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Beaux-Arts – Grand Central Terminal, New York City

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Grand Central Terminal, located in New York City and completed in 1913, is an outstanding example of the Beaux-Arts architectural style. Beaux-Arts architecture is known for its symmetry, classical details, and monumental scale, all of which are present in Grand Central’s ornate façade and its expansive Main Concourse. The terminal is both a transportation hub, with trains, subways, and commuters coming in and out, and a sort of cathedral for commuters. Marble staircases, arched windows, and the mural-adorned celestial ceiling are in line with Beaux-Arts ideals of harmony and splendor. I selected Grand Central Terminal as an example of the Beaux-Arts architectural style because it is the perfect display of the beauty of architecture. I also find it impressive how it can serve as such an important public transportation hub in the city of New York and still serve as an inspiration to all people who come in and out of the terminal.

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I chose the Tao Zhu Yin green architecture as my choice because it is a great example of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable materials and ecological sensitive design. I like all the aspects and uses for green architecture like renewable energy for starters which uses sources like wind turbines and solar panels to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Then there is energy efficiency in which the building is designed to reduce energy consumption through insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and smart technology. Third green architecture also uses sustainable materials which are eco-friendly materials that have a minimal environmental footprint, such as bamboo, recycled steel, and non-toxic finishes. And last but not least I like how the architecture uses ecologically sensitive designs in which they consider the buildings impact on the surrounding ecosystem even to the point of integrating natural elements into the design of the building.

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The Florence Cathedral, also called Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most famous buildings from the Renaissance. It is located in Florence, Italy, and was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The cathedral is best known for its huge red dome which at its time it was the biggest one built in the world. This building was builtt in 1436 and was built a different way comapred to buldings during that time.Filippo method of engineering allowed him to be able to make the dome without having to use wooden supports in order to make the dome.The Cathedral is supposed to emphasize symmetry and harmony and also ideals of the Reneesaince era.I chose this building because first I thought the picture was overall cool wiht the sunset in the background but also the lights on top of the dome and the roof also makes it such a beatiful building

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I chose this picture because it reminds me of so much of being back at home. I went to high school in other state and this make structure the windows are so familiar to the way my high school looked. It also allows me to think about the teachers and all the friends I made at this school called central high school. So many memories. It also allows you to see how architecture and how things are constructed today are not very far from how buildings were made back then. The glass-stained windows the pictures that are engraved in the bricks. This picture brings back so many memories. Skipping school standing outside the building hanging out while school was going on.

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Boston City Hall, completed in 1968 and designed by architects Kallmann, McKinnell & Knowles, is one of the most recognized examples of Brutalism architecture. The building is characterized by its raw concrete structure, bold geometric shapes, and strong emphasis on function over decoration. Its design was meant to express honesty, strength, and civic pride, using exposed materials to reveal how the building was constructed. The massive concrete forms and deep-set windows create a striking visual effect that reflects the architectural ideals of the 1960s. Although often debated for its harsh appearance, Boston City Hall remains a significant landmark and an important representation of mid-20th-century modernism in America.

I like it because I like how it is different from others. It looks simple yet powerful.

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I chose the Sagrada Família in Barcelona as an example of Gothic Revival architecture. This basilica is an unfinished construction envisioned by Antoni Gaudí's unique mind, but continued by many generations of people, and also a testament to the enduring appeal of Gothic design. The Sagrada Família features many towering spires, intricate stone carvings, and a forest-like interior that creates a sense of awe and wonder when entering. Gaudí's unique manipulation of light and space, combined with traditional Gothic elements like pointed arches and ribbed vaults, makes this building a true masterpiece. The main purpose of the Sagrada Família is primarily religious, serving as a place of worship for the Catholic Church. However, over the 140 years it's been under construction, it has also become a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at the utter beauty of its intricate and beautiful design. The building's construction, which began in 1882 and is still ongoing, but is soon reaching its completion, reflects the dedication and craftsmanship of generations of architects and artisans. The Sagrada Família embodies the principles of the Gothic Revival, blending traditional Gothic elements with Gaudí's modernist innovations.

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The building I chose is Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) located in Vienna, Austria. This church is one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, inside and out. Baroque architecture is known for its dramatic details, grandeur, and use of light to create emotion. Karlskirche was designed by architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach in the early 18th century and was completed by his son after his death. It was built after the city survived the plague and is dedicated to St. Charles Barromeo, a saint associated with healing.

I love this building because of how elegant and powerful it looks at the same time. The artistry inside and out and create so much awe and emotion. The tall columns, large dome and carvings make it feel alive and full of movement which is what baroque is known for. Even the reflection pool in front adds to the drama. The Karlskirche shows how drama, inspriration, faith, and emotion can exist as one.

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Boston City Hall is a striking example of Brutalist architecture. It was designed in the 1960'. The building is made of raw concrete and has bold, geometric shapes that give it a strong, almost a sculptural look. The overhanging floors, sharp angles, and exposed concrete create a dramatic effect that can be found as imposing but, I think it’s fascinating how the design reflects the power and authority of a government building. Brutalism may seem harsh at first, but its beauty comes from simplicity, function, and raw honesty in design. SHARP!

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The painting is often speculated to be Simonetta Vespucci, a Genoese noblewoman who was considered the most beautiful woman of her age in Florence. The elaborate hairstyle and clothing in the portrait suggest an idealized representation rather than a formal portrait of a noble lady. The hairstyle, with braids decorated with pearls and two plaits across her chest, was typically associated with mythical figures like nymphs and muses in Renaissance art, and was considered highly erotic. The cameo medallion she wears is a reversed copy of "Nero's Seal," a famous antique carnelian that belonged to Lorenzo de' Medici. I love the way her hair looks and the texture is beautiful. The lady’s skin is so smooth and beautiful her skin looks like glass.

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I chose the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, Czech Republic. The construction of the cathedral began in 1344, but it wasn’t completed until 1929, making it have multiple architectural styles due to the time it took to build it. The early parts of the cathedral were built in the original Gothic style, with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and huge stained glass windows. Around the 19th century during the Gothic Revival movement, architects like Josef Kranner and Josef Mocker helped finish the Cathedral and they stayed true to its medieval style design while also using modern building techniques.

I chose St. Vitus Cathedral because it combines old and new elements of Gothic architecture. The building’s towering spires and colorful windows create a larger than life atmosphere that captures the vibe of the Gothic Revival movement.

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Building: St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)

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Building: St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)

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St. Peter's Basilica is the quintessence of Renaissance architecture. I chose it because it so gracefully adapts Renaissance concepts of proportion, harmony, and balance. Classical motifs like domes, pilasters, and columns, along with sophisticated engineering, reflect the Renaissance fascination with reviving and taking advantage of Roman and Greek ancient architecture.

St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church of the Vatican and the holiest place in Catholicism. It was constructed by Renaissance architects who were some of the finest, including Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Its huge dome, conceived by Michelangelo, is a work of Renaissance engineering and symbolistic genius, representing heaven.

Renaissance was a revival of classical ideals of proportion, symmetry, and geometry. This is manifested in St. Peter's Basilica through its symmetrical design, proportional balance, and use of classical architectural vocabularies including domes, columns, and arches. It also demonstrates Renaissance humanism in the sense that it symbolizes human achievement and creative authority.

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Building: St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)

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Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist (Savannah, Georgia)

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Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist (Savannah, Georgia)

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I chose the Basilica of St. John in the Gothic Revival architecture style because of how intricately beautiful the architecture is. I like how grandeur the church is, you can just stare at it for hours it's American (specifically from Georgia) take of the gothic style using heavy influences from the medieval European styles they used for their churches. The Basilica functions as a cathedral for Catholics to worship and have marriages. The reason the Basilica fits the Gothic Revival style is with the very high and pointy aesthetics of the building, colored glass and they even have gargoyles.

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Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist (Savannah, Georgia)

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One architectural work that I find fascinating is the Fallingwater House by Frank Lloyd Wright, a key example of Green Architecture. Completed in 1939 in rural Pennsylvania, Fallingwater is built partly over a waterfall, blending the home seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Wright used locally sourced stone and concrete and designed the structure to appear as though it’s growing out of the landscape. The house’s cantilevered terraces extend over the water, creating a strong sense of harmony between architecture and nature.

I chose this building because of how innovative it is, both in design and philosophy. Instead of separating humans from the environment, Wright’s vision connects them, and I really admire that. The house was originally built as a private residence for the Kaufmann family, but it now serves as a museum open to the public. Fallingwater perfectly represents the principles of Green Architecture, sustainability, environmental integration, and respect for natural beauty. It remains one of the most inspiring examples of how architecture can coexist with the environment rather than dominate it.

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I chose The Florence Cathedral Dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Completed in 1436, it's one of the most famous examples of Renaissance architecture and is in Florence, Italy. The dome was amazing for its time because Filippo used a double-shell design and a herringbone brick pattern, which allowed him to build it without traditional wood scaffolding. The medium is mainly brick and stone, and Brunelleschi's techniques combined art, geometry, and engineering in a way never done before. I really like this architectural work because it represents human innovation and the Renaissance by blending science and art. The dome's massive size and symmetry show how architecture can be beautiful and functional. It also symbolizes Florence's wealth, creativity, and faith during the Renaissance era. What stands out to me is just how timeless it is. It was built so long ago, yet it's still so inspiring.

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The architecture I've decided to showcase this week is the Cinquantenaire Arcade. It's a piece of beaux-arts architecture with one of the two architects who worked on it was French and attended the Ecole des Beaux-Arts school which is presumably where all the beaux-arts' technicalities of the architecture came from. The two architects who worked on it is Charles-Louis Girault and Gedeon Bordiau. Interestingly enough the Belgium architect was the first to work on it until his untimely death before it could be fully completed and it was then the French architect took over it. The arcade was built in 1905 and is located in Brussels within the city centre. It's important to note that because of Beaux-arts drawing upon features of Neoclassism there is some overlaps and confusion with the identification of some works. A feel though with this piece of architecture and others identified under Beaux have unique details to it purposely designed as part of the overall goal of Beaux-arts to make it more French. Apart of the grander goal in mind comes agrafes that links details with others. The pillars, sculptures, and the centerpiece of attention being the three arch's contribute to that part of the memorial stand out in contrasts of the supporting structures. Which is not anything different as it incorporates the same features. But obviously designed in a way to support the main structure and not draw any attention away from it.

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I've decided to focus on Brutalism because its aesthetic is so stark and imposing. My choice is the Geisel Library at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). I chose the Geisel Library because it's genuinely unsettling and fascinating at the same time. It looks like an enormous, multi-tiered spaceship landed right in the middle of a campus. It’s a truly unforgettable piece of architecture, and the fact that it was built for learning and quiet study contrasts sharply with its aggressive appearance. The main function of the Geisel Library is, of course, to house the massive collection of books for UCSD. It serves as the main research library for the campus. Designed by William Pereira and completed in 1970, its form is all about maximizing interior space for collections and reading areas while being structurally expressive. This building is a textbook example of Brutalism. The entire exterior is dominated by raw, unpainted, poured concrete, which is the literal defining material of the movement. There’s no fancy cladding or decorative trim; the structure is the facade. Its shape is massive, angular, and modular, with the distinct tiers stepping out as they go up, creating a heavy, geometric, and sculptural quality. The sheer scale and sense of uncompromising power is a kind of honest, brute force, which is exactly what the Brutalist movement was going for in the post-war era. It’s definitely not warm, but it makes a powerful, intellectual statement about the importance and weight of the knowledge it holds.

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I chose the movement of the Renaissances. The architecture building I chose to represent this movement is The Burghley House. I chose this for its admirable beauty! As soon as your eyes land on it you can not stop looking at it. The Burghley House was a mansion built in the 16th century, and it belonged to Lord Burghley, who was the chief advisor of Queen Elizabeth I. Now it is used as ceremonial purposes in Cambridgeshire. The beauty of this mansion is iconic, and it is a grand example of the Renaissance architecture style. Many say that the design of this mansion combines powerful defensive features with beauty. The Burghley house today is an important part of Stamford’s rich architectural heritage. Can you imagine being in front of this beautiful place, and just taking in the view, admiring every single detail of the architectural design of this mansion? This place looks like a castle taken out of a movie!

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One of my favorite examples of architecture from the Bauhaus movement is the Bauhaus Building in Dessau, Germany, designed by Walter Gropius in 1925. I chose this building because it perfectly represents the modern, simple, and functional style that the Bauhaus movement is known for. The building was originally used as an art and design school where students studied architecture, crafts, and industrial design. What I like most about it is how it focuses on practicality instead of decoration. The design features glass curtain walls, flat roofs, and geometric shapes that make it look clean and futuristic, even though it was built almost a century ago. Gropius wanted the building to show that art and technology could work together to create something beautiful and useful. The open layout, use of natural light, and minimal details all show the idea of “form follows function.” I chose this site because it influenced so many modern buildings we see today and still feels fresh and creative.

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David by Michelangelo

I selected Michelangelo's David since it is an amazing work of art from the Renaissance era and it conveys the human body in all its beauty and complexity. The sculpture exhibits marvelous detailing in muscles, skin, and movement, and it conveys the dual aspects of power and poise, thus making it a source of inspiration for all times. How the artist did it: Michelangelo carved David by the subtractive process, the carving method. He picked a large block of marble and then slowly chipped it away with the help of chisels, hammers, and other finer tools to let the figure out. Proportions and anatomy were very essential, so he applied his thorough knowledge of the human body, and as a result, he produced a figure that was not only lifelike but also dynamic. Surface polishing was among the final touches done, which gave the marble a smooth and realistic quality.

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vSt. Peter's Basilica is a true marvel of the Renaissance and even more so due to its combination of art, engineering, and religion. I admire its vastness, its proportions that give it harmony, and its dome that is breathtaking, all of which together create a feeling of wonder and invite to meditate. Concerning the structure and the reasons for my choice: St. Peter’s Basilica is the work of numerous architects, such as Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno, who contributed to the Renaissance. The church is characterized by a vast dome in the center, a floor plan in the shape of a cross, and a lavish interior decorated with sculptures and paintings. One of the most astonishing parts of the dome was the tremendous height achieved via its-supported ribs and double layers. I have chosen this material since it demonstrates the Renaissance encouraged a search for and at the same time, and patience, of technology's limits with the previous factors of, beauty, functionality, and spirituality, thus making it a triumph that mirrors in the church the people’s creativity and ambition during the Renaissance.

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This week, choose a contemporary artist to share with the class. They should fit the week's theme of Texas-Based artists. Try using this Texas Art website to help you find an artsit!

Your post should include an image of an artwork you liked and why. Explain the artwork to us and why you chose it. Make sure to give a few sentences about your artist's style and message (what are they trying to communicate with the viewer). You should find this in their artist's statement.

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at more of their artist's work. Respond to their post by sharing another work you found and give your opinion on this artist and their work. Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful.

Your grade is based on the following:

1. Your post meets expectations

2. You comment on a peer's post and share another work

3. You respond to whoever comments on your post.

**If no one has commented on your post, please just jump in and join another conversation.

In total you should have 1 original post, 1 comment to a peer, and 1 response to the comment left on your post.

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This week, choose a site or ruins from the Ancient Mediterranean world that still exists in some form today. No contemporary artists this week! Pick from any site as long at is in a country that touches the Mediterranean sea and is still in existence. Examples would be Pompeii, sites in Ancient Rome, Temples in Greece, ruins in Morrocco, etc.

Your post should include an image of the site you chose and why you liked it. Explain the site to us and why you chose it. What is your favorite feature or artwork within the site? Make sure to give a few sentences about your site's history.

After posting, please choose a peer's post that jumps out to you. Take time to look at their site. Respond to their post by sharing another fact or artwork you found that is within the site. Your initial post should be 150-200 words. Your comment should be thoughtful.

Your grade is based on the following:

1. Your post meets expectations

2. You comment on a peer's post and share another work

3. You respond to whoever comments on your post.

**If no one has commented on your post, please just jump in and join another conversation.

In total you should have 1 original post, 1 comment to a peer, and 1 response to the comment left on your post.

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Acropolis of Athens. I chose this artwork because it is one of the most iconic structures in the Mediterranean. This temple is located on a high hill in Athens, Greece. It was built with Pentelic Marble, Limestone, wood, and Terracotta. It was also known for its pure white color, bronze statues, and distinctive glow in the sunlight. The name Acropolis means the highest point in the city. It was used back then for Religious, Political, ceremonies, and Cultural functions in Athens. Now, it is a historic monument visited by tourists. It is one of the most visited sites in Greece, where visitors come to admire its impressive architecture, learn about ancient Greek art, religion, and democracy. This is a good place to visit if you want to gain insight into the rich history of one of the most influential civilizations in the Mediterranean world. This is one place I do plan on visiting one day.

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Volubilis. Roman city in northern Morocco. Intact. Near Meknes. Provincial administrative city. Olive oil production and commerce supported it. Layout: Roman city planning with forum, basilica, triumphal arch, housing.

Reason for choosing: example of very direct Roman contact in North Africa without centuries of European reinterpretation of the space. The site is still mostly structural, rather than reconstructed storytelling.

Key feature: The Arch of Caracalla. Monumental arch, built to convey the power and authority of the empire. The size and the use of the arch as an entryway is a clear statement of the hierarchy. The mosaic floors of the surrounding private houses depict both mythological scenes and daily life in the city. They show the use of Roman visual language, with some adaptation to local pattern.

History in brief: 3rd century BCE foundation. Expanded as a Roman outpost in the 1st century CE. Reached its greatest size under the Severan dynasty. Abandoned slowly after the 3rd century. Stone quarry for later construction in nearby cities. Some earthquake damage visible on structures.

Volubilis is an example of how empire leaves behind both infrastructure and imagery that extend well beyond the political reality.

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The Palace of Knossos is a fascinating ancient site in the Mediterranean world. Built in 1900-1400 BCE. The Palace served as the political and cultural center of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete. The large size if the palace and its many complex rooms, staircases, courtyards, and storerooms, demonstrated how advanced the Minoans were in both architecture and organization. It was decorated with colorful frescoes depicting nature, sea life, and scenes of celebration. It gives a glimpse into the peaceful and artistic spirit of Minoan life. I’m amazed by how detailed and complex it is for such an early civilization. It feels almost like a maze, which makes sense since it’s connected to the Greek myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth. It's fascinating that so much of its artwork and design still survive today, showing how creative the Minoans were. My favorite feature of the palace is the exterior red columns. They are slender at the bottom and wider at the top. Research says it is opposite of most Greek columns that came later. This design makes the building instantly recognizable and gives it a unique character. The red and black color scheme against the light stone walls creates a striking look that still feels bold and elegant today.

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The Palace of the Grand Masters (Rhodes, Greece)

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I chose this ancient ruin site The Palace of the Grand Masters, because it shows how in the late 7th century when the palace was originally built as a Byzantine Citadel the architects had a sense of building things with longevity in mind that would last centuries long ago since medieval times. The Palace of the Grand Masters offers a fascinating look at both medieval and ancient history, with impressive stonework, frescoes, and artifacts that showcase the Knights’ influence on Rhodes. In the first quarter of the 14th century, they repaired the palace and made a number of major modifications. The palace was damaged in the earthquake of 1481, and it was repaired soon afterwards. The palace has now been converted to a museum and is today visited by the millions of tourists that visit Rhodes from all over the world.

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the palace of the grand masters (greece)