Keith Haring

Keith Haring was born in 1958 in and died in 1990, he was only 31 and died of AIDS.

Apparently he was a bit rebellious as a teenager however was interested in Art and during school visits to museum and obviously his studies he developed an awareness of modern art. After high school, Keith enrolled in the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh. From what I have researched he abandoned his studies as he felt the people he met were only doing it for a job and were not happy. He didn’t agree with the traditional art world of dealers and collectors who were out to make money from artists.

Perhaps it was his dislike of the traditional art dealer gallery type of work that led him to explore graffiti. He may have also been influenced as well by his Father who worked as a cartoonist.

In the 1980’s along with other artists he expressed concepts of birth, death, sex and war in his work.  The type of images he produced were thought of as a visual language. I think these images and similar to the messages symbols also give us.

Analysis

‘Radiant Baby’ was an image haring used to ‘tag’ or sign his work in the subways of New York initially

It came from the influence of the Jesus movement that haring was involved with in his teenage years.  The involvement with this group left an impression on his art work.

This piece is also known as the "Radiant Child" or "Radiant Christ." Haring described the Radiant Baby as the "purest and most positive experience of human existence." Though the image is clearly an influence of the great impact of his ideology and religion, it can also be thought as symbolic of "Haring's hope for the future and also his continuing interest in the influence of Jesus Christ’s teachings on the world.

My first sight at the work, reminds me of some kind of a baby symbol that is sweating, the waves around it gives the impression of crying, shouting. The work does link to history about which is "Radiant Christ" when I first look at this work, it wouldn't remind me of the Christ, I'd just think of a baby crawling. The wavy kind of sound impression coming out of the baby's surrounding kind of tells me that the baby needs it's mother for attention.

The work isn't a perfect creative drawing, so I don't think there's any issue to the work, I personally think as a symbol that's what you need, something simple that stands out and easy for people to remember. However now that it relates to religion and known as "Radiant Christ" some people might worship this symbol. But when you focus deep into the work, it makes you investigate more, specially with the wave coming out of the baby, you wan't to know what's coming next, where is the baby crawling to, is it a happy baby or a sad toddler.

Not knowing the actual symbol at first sight I'd think that this symbol would be used somewhere in primary school, which is to do with kids, or it could be used for baby sitting website or nursery place.

Thinking about the color used in this symbol is very important because if the artist had used a different color then it might've changed the meaning behind the actual symbol. The only color that has been used is black on white, which is the most simplest color we know. The amount of time you'd need to look at this work wouldn't be long, because it's not something imaginative, it's just a symbol, which needs to give you a first impression the organisation it's used for. for instance if you spend more time focusing deep into the work, you won't be able to see more detail. However if the work was a cartoon animation then, you might spend more time watching what's coming next.

The techniques the artist might've used to create this piece of work is to simply capture an image of a toddler crawling on it's knees and then using Photoshop to draw the outlines, then by removing the actual image would give you a symbol in black and white. If I had to come up with my own response to Haring's work then I would capture images of different objects or people then play around with them to create a simple logo for an organisation by drawing the outlines in a simple color, this is so it stands out and there's isn't a lot of things going on. On the other hand I would continue to explore Haring's work and try to come up with some of my own symbols for different organisations.

Craig Ward Analysis

Craig Ward is a London based Graphics Designer who manipulates words and letters as a typographic illustrator. He is described as a person who brings to life current headlines, he creates new typographic treatments and continuously explores the notion of words as image

Craig ward has released a book this year entitled “Popular Lies About Graphic Design” he describes himself as having a student kind of mindset and he is proud of that, he feels it keeps his work fresh.. Wards opinion and also those of other is nothing is in the book that someone who has been working for 15 years won't have heard before – but hopefully they'll find something interesting in the way it's written. He hopes people will be able to pick it up and be inspired.

My research on Ward suggests he is an opinionated type of guy when it comes to design. He thinks people (designers) who cannot be bothered to design their own websites for clients but who use templates are basically lazy. He describes himself as using different techniques for different projects or in other words he will do whatever it takes to get a professional look to a product.

My first impression of Craig Wards work tells me that number three is cool because it’s combined with the image of a person on the side. This outline shows fashionable hair I think presented in a sophisticated technique.

While observing this image which shows a silhouette of a person combined with a numerical symbol connected together, it could be interpreted as a professional sports player, who is recognised by a number three while playing their sports, football for instance. Or it could’ve been something to do with someone who’s going to die in the next 3 years. Analysing this piece of work makes you think…

I like the old burn effect on the image, which maybe has been done using Photoshop. The burn appears to gives the image/typography a vintage effect which makes you ask yourself a question, what era does the designer wish to reflect?

The symbols that has been used is the number three (3) however I’m asking the question whose face could it be. There has to be a hidden meaning behind the work. The artist is inviting you as the viewer to interpret what the work is. I personally think this could be a logo for a company where the owners face has been used to represent his/her company,  Tt’s an image combined with a symbol to make one final piece.

Without a title I personally think the artist wants you to interpret it however you wish.

The colour is very important in this piece of work which is black and white. I believe black  and white minimiser’s real emotion. If colour had been used on the face instead of the face in black and white, then it would’ve been easy for the viewer to analyse the portrait, but as an artist that’s Ward’s secret or prerogative. The meaning of the work would’ve changed if instead of black photograph a normal digital colour image had been used.

When I first look at this work it just shows a number 3 then you look at the back, you see the head and it make you think, which then you have to spend time on it to investigate why a face and a number. But I don’t think you can see more information if you spend more time looking at the image, for instance if the work was a movie, which is just a number three, then you wouldn’t spend a lot of time looking at it, unless it was in 3D and colour.

To create this piece of work I think that the artist has used either a digital camera to capture someone’s photograph and paste it on a number three, then using a computer software to turn the image black the same colour as the typography (Three) then using a burn tool to produce an old effect on the image. With my skills as a photography and graphics design student at A-Level, I could reproduce this piece of work very easily.

Fashion marketing

Fashion marketing

In a competitive marketplace the role of advertising must not be underestimated. Versace appeared skilled enough to realise he needed to make friends in the advertising industry.  He especially befriended photographers and treat them as guests.  These photographers and other influential people in advertising understood the dynamics and trends in the fashion industry.

He also knew the importance of promoting his company’s products.

A glamorous product brochure showed some of Versace designs at their best. 

Versace was best however at the short timescales in which he could produce a finished garment or design.

In the competitive world of fashion, most fashion companies spend as least six months from design, pre-sale to the batch production of final products.  Time can give competitors an advantage.

Versace’s secret weapon was he used the shortest possible time for the process of design to final production.  If he wanted to he condensed the amount of time he spent on a design to outwit competitors.

 Versace adapted quickly to changes in market demand. For example, he once developed a pair of jeans in PVC fabric from design to production in less than 5 weeks.

He influenced other major companies to attempt this ability to get a garment from concept to store in less than 12 weeks. 

Fashion

We all have that friend. You know the guy who everyone else notices and who always looks perfectly put together. It's no lie; some people just have that flair -- the ability to spot trends and even start some of their own.

Believe it or not, there's a trendsetter in you too -- you just have to find him. Staying aware of the latest styles is not an innate thing, rather something that anyone can develop. So whether you want to always look stylish or be ahead of the style curb, your chance is right here. Come right in. 

Spot the trend

What exactly is a trendsetter anyway? He is the one who follows his personal style yet manages to pull off a look others find admirable. And even if others don't approve of his taste, he still wears what he likes. Whether or not he follows the norm, he looks great and inspires others to dress just like him. 

It might seem like only fashion designers or those in the industry have the ability to spot trends early on. The trick is not to focus on how you can actually set trends -- simply start off by knowing how to identify trends and take them to a whole other level. 

Research, research

You can't expect to become a trendsetter overnight by simply sleeping on your girlfriend's Burberry scarf and Ralph Lauren bed sheets. You have to delve into the fashion world by reading magazines that feature European fashion if you're in North America (Europe is up to a year ahead of the game). 

Buy the magazines or read them at a coffee shop near you -- whatever the case, just get into the habit of flipping through them and taking mental notes of what everyone will be wearing next. 

In addition to magazines, tune into fashion television programs that feature the latest up-and-coming trends (believe me, you can do this without losing your masculinity; OK, just don't tell anybody). Even movies, music videos and TV shows feature glimpses of current trends, you just need to know how to apply them to your own style.

Become a tailor

Once you know the trends that people are donning, you'll need to know how to adapt them to your own style. The trick is to avoid becoming a virtual mannequin of retro chic, or whatever your style of choice. So if a fashion insider tells you that military style is the inspiration for next fall's men's wear, this is not your chance to get your army fatigues, dog tags and combat boots. All that's needed is a canvas khaki green belt, or even a jacket with patch pockets. The golf look is back? Forget your plaid pants and wear a polo T-shirt with shorts or chinos. 

Find one piece or detail that is currently fashionable or on the way, and tailor it to match your personal style and attire. 

Use accessories

While you don't necessarily want to be trendy from head to toe, you can use any extremity -- from your hair to your shoes -- to ooze style. This can mean becoming inspired by a cool hairstyle you saw in a movie, sunglasses you saw in a music video, or even shoes you saw in a magazine. One little detail or accessory can give you that edge you're aiming for. 

Understand the fashion cycle

You'll be a big step closer if you know one of the fashion industry's rules of thumb: Fashion revolves and evolves in cycles. In other words, every noteworthy style and trend is recycled and revived years or decades later. 

It's always a good idea to get rid of your clothing every now and then while doing a cleanup, but don't get rid of garments or accessories that are still in great condition just because they're "so last year." And yes, even the '80s (acid wash and mullet) came back, so anything is possible. You might just have the chance to wear your saddleshoes and plaid tie sooner than you thought. 

A trendsetter can also see the potential in every single piece or detail, from a fisherman's hat to zippers on a sweater. Once you get used to it and read up on fashion trends, you too will know how to see that trench coat or those dirty wash jeans for more than they are. 

Let's be realistic though; it also helps if you're immersed in a trendy crowd that is hip to the latest trends. If you're dining at the "it" place to be where the more exclusive crowd of your city hangs out, you'll get a glimpse of what others are wearing and how they're wearing it. If you frequent a club scene that hasn't quite yet made it to the commercial masses, chances are you'll see certain styles early on, before they're on sale at every Bloomingdale's and Target in your area. 

Wear it with confidence

You can be wearing the coolest jeans and the hottest new jacket, and your hair can be styled to make you look like nothing short of a movie star, but if you don't have the confidence to feel good in what you're wearing, you'll never give off the vibes of a trendsetter. 

In order to be noticed and maintain that suave appeal, you must have the air and self-esteem to go along with it. You might be wearing your jeans in your own personal way and your shirt cuffs folded differently, but if you need the reassurance of what everyone else is wearing, you'll never be noticed for your ability to be a fashion maven. So get your self-esteem in gear, and whether you're wearing what is being toted as "the absolute must-have" or your own creation, wear it with your head up high. 

being chic

You don't have to be a fashion connoisseur to become a trendsetter -- it becomes an acquired skill and one that you'll eventually get used to. So pick up the latest international men's fashion magazine, take notice while watching the latest Brad Pitt or George Clooney movie, and always keep your eye out for interesting trends on others or on the store racks. Once you know how to observe just enough and pick out the potential in different garments and accessories, all eyes will be on you

Read more: http://uk.askmen.com/fashion/trends/53b_fashion_men.html#ixzz1zjsAdHji


Read more: http://uk.askmen.com/fashion/trends/53_fashion_men.html#ixzz1zjrrtrAE

Zed Nelson

Zed Nelson lives in London. His work has been published and exhibited worldwide.

Having gained recognition and major awards as a documentary photographer working in some of the most troubled areas of the world, Nelson has increasingly turned his focus on Western society, critiquing and studying contemporary social issues.

Love Me - Nelson’s recent exhibition is on display at the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) museum, Durham. I went to view his work last week. He has reflected on the cultural and commercial forces that drive a global obsession with youth and beauty. He did this by visiting 18 countries across 5 continents look at different cultures. The project explores how a new form of globalization is taking place, where an increasingly narrow Western beauty ideal is being exported around the world like a crude universal brand. The project spanned five years, and involved photographing sensitive issues as well outrageous ones.

This is one of his piece of work I saw in the DLI museum, the picture has been taking in Iran and it said that there are probably more nose jobs been done in Iran than any other country in the world.

I think that Nelson was trying to send a message through his photography work to society today by saying that plastic surgery should be for people who sustain disfigurement injuries, not for people with perfect eyes, nose hair and they want to change themselves into something they really aren’t.

I was not aware of how obsessed with plastic surgery a Muslim country like Iran is until I read about Nelson’s work. I was aware some western cultures were obsessed with bigger breasts, flatter stomachs and facelifts and some of these images are shown in Nelsons exhibition.

Altered body image

I have already done some work in Graphics looking at this topic however

Nelson picks up on the distorted views that people often have of themselves of what is considered attractive to others. He looks across the world at the impact of western society and the pressures of today contribute to what seems to be growing out of control.

How crazy is the fact that Oxygen has to be administered to exhausted contestants during final rounds of judging. The strain of intense dieting, dehydration and muscle-flexing, places high levels of strain on the heart and lungs, rendering many contestants dizzy, light-headed and weak. Even Olympian athletes don’t do this on the track and field events. 

Ronnie Coleman, winner.

Mr Olympia Competition. Las Vegas, USA

 Why do body builders have to paint themselves with fake tan? Why do Caucasian women in particular have to spray tan themselves? Nelson’s thought provoking images seem shocking but make you question.

Its not just about western culture though as looking at research on the internet I found that if you are Asian and pale then you're considered "rich" or "higher class" because you don't have to spend time working outside on farms or anything which is why darker-coloured Asians are considered "lower class." 
So in Asia lighter/paler skin is perceived as "higher class" while darker skin perceived as "lower class". Is this the influence of the western world?

Nelson suggests it is and that ‘beauty’ has become a universal brand. Advertising campaigns use images of Caucasian super slim, blond haired and blue eyed women. This makes African women want to lighten their naturally dark hair and also makes oriental women want to have surgery to give them western eyes.

Conclusion

Nelson shows in image terms how western influences have affected other cultures around the world.

I believe communications and technology today have accelerated this. People in far away places are able to be aware of and share each other’s culture. Satellites, TV’s and mobile phones not to mention advertising and big global companies such as Nike or Macdonald’s make it easy to influence even the most isolated cultures across the world.

Global culture is seen as Western, predominantly American culture gradually imposing itself around the world. There are McDonalds or Kentucky fast food places everywhere never mind what you can see on TV. This is detrimental to local cultures. Nelson captures many different nationalities in his images and it does seem that many cultures are focusing on what they see as western beauty being the image to try and achieve while almost overlooking their own natural beauty.  

What I like best about Nelson is images are more powerful than words. People will interpret an image more quickly than the written word and it crosses different languages and cultures.

Unit 3 Graphic design ideas

Unit 3 Graphic design

Ongoing research.

Possible artists	Movements/style	concepts
Francis bacon no Saul Bass yes Barbara Kruger Blek le rat ?? Banksy Keith haring child like design - no Jonathan Barnbrook no David Carson no Nicholas Bletchman no Daniel eatock no Christina follmer Genevieve gauckler no Ludwig Mies van der Rohe yes James Goggin Hamansutra Kesselskramer Ded associates Shepherd fairey Scott king Ralph steidman no Terry Gillham Kam Tang no Rafael Esquer	Bauhaus architectural style – simplistic and OK Fantasy art Big brands Photo montage Maybe Renaissance Art maybe	Fashion over the ages maybe Childhood memories Ancient stories Fairy tales Tag lines Slogans Recording devices- sleeves to cd World fairs Olympics

http://www.com-elisava.com/

the art of clean up   (-:

Bauhaus

Bauhaus, was a school in Germany that combined crafts and the fine arts, and was famous for the approach to design that it publicised and taught. It operated from 1919 to 1933. At that time the German term Bauhaus, translated means "house of construction"

One of the main objectives of the Bauhaus was to unify art, craft, and technology. The Bauhaus had a major impact on art and architecture trends in Western Europe, the United States, Canada and Israel in the years following it closure. Because many of the artists involved had to leave Germany because of the Nazi regime they were scattered and things may have evolved differently.

One of the architects was Ludwig Mies van der Rohe He is commonly referred to, and was addressed, as Mies. Along with Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer, he is widely regarded as one of the pioneering masters of modern architecture.

Mies sought to establish a new architectural style that could represent modern times just as Classical and Gothic did for their own eras. He created a twentieth century architectural style which was simplistic. He used materials such as industrial steel and plate glass to define interior spaces. He was aiming for architecture with a minimal framework.  He called his buildings "skin and bones" architecture and open spaces.

This I think describes the Bauhaus style. Tubular steel furniture, primary coloured triangles and the fundamental modernist desire to change the world.

Example of interior

Photomontage

The art of photomontage could be said to have started just after the First World War, but the manipulation of photographs already had a history going back to the invention of photography in the mid 19th century. Photomontage is a form of collage which involves creating a composite image by combining elements from several different photographs. Individual examples of photomontage often achieve their effect by juxtaposing unusual or contrasting objects or concepts in order to startle or provoke the viewer.

Direct contact printing of objects placed on photographic plates, double exposures, and composite pictures made by darkroom masking were all popular in the Victorian era. Besides this practical use of combination photography, Victorians discovered the amusement to be had from postcards of the wrong head stuck on a different body, or the creation of strange or impossible creatures.

But it was not until the revolutionary times following the "Great War" that artists began to see the use of montage as a truly new art form. The centre of this explosion of creativity was Berlin, where a group of artists calling themselves Dada was looking for a new means of expression: one that had more meaning than the prevailing drift into abstraction, but that did not simply return to the traditions of figurative painting.

As Surrealism became the dominant European art form, photomontage gradually faded into obscurity for many years, until there was a revival in the 1960s, partly inspired by a renewed interest in Dada. Several of the artists connected with the Pop Art movement used magazine photos and text to convey the ethos of the age. At this time, and to an extent in response to the increasing populism of art, advertisers jumped on the bandwagon and started to produce more photomontages, a trend that continues to this day.

John Heartfield was one such artist Photomontage is a form of collage which involves creating a composite image by combining elements from several different photographs. Individual examples of photomontage often achieve their effect by juxtaposing unusual or contrasting objects or concepts in order to startle or provoke the viewer. In its manipulation of the viewer's perception of reality, the photomontage was a precursor of the modern-day photo-shopped digital image. The artists of the Dada Movement pushed the photomontage to the forefront of modern art, and, in their hands, it became a powerful form of political criticism. Heartfield's photomontages were particularly politically provocative and often used images from political journals to satirize figures in the German government. On such provocative work was "Use Photography As A Weapon" which depicted Hearfield himself decapitating the police chief of Berlin.

The next great revival in the use of montage in Europe was connected with the politics of the anti-nuclear movement of the 1980s. Much of the imagery at this time was designed for use in banners for demonstrations, producing a very graphic means of communication.

Photomontage Ideas

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Many couples choose to create a photomontage to display at their wedding reception. Typically you should select photos from birth to present day for each person then photos of the couple together. This allows your guests to see the growing up process of both then see your time spent together dating. It is also a wonderful addition to any Anniversary Parties, Class Reunions, Graduation Parties, Family Reunions, or any Special Events. The possibilities are endless

http://www.lifeinsquares.com/starting_your_collage.html

A photomontage is similar to a collage (pasted paper), however it involves the manipulation of the photographic image and is as old a practice as photography itself.  

1. A “sports or hobby” photomontage.

2. An “awareness” photomontage related to a particular event, occurrence, environmental issue, health issue, war, peace, or invention that you feel people need to be aware of.

3. A landscape montage

4. evil vs. good

5. still life of fruits, vegetables, glasses, and pottery.

•Avoid text.  Have the images, colours, textures and patterns create the message.  Words and text are too easy.

•A strong photomontage is eye catching and holds the viewer’s attention.

•Overall piece is unified and complete.

•Before starting the montage it is important to establish your theme or idea.  

•Collect various magazines that relate to your overall theme or idea.  

•Carefully tear out the pages in preparation for cutting carefully.  

•Collect, cut or tear carefully images, colors, textures and objects from magazines that are relate to your particular theme or idea.

•Cut along contour edges of objects using scissors or an xacto-blade.  Use a strong cutting mat to protect table surfaces.  

•Consider using colours and textures from pages to fill in the background.  

•The importance of the photomontages must be clearly recognized and understood.  

•Imaginative and creative approaches are encouraged.  

•Unifying and overlapping of cut images and words is expected.  

•Arrange or juxtapose objects, colours and textures in an interesting and well-planned format.  

•Avoid gluing things down to hastily.  Move things around until they fit in terms of your theme or idea.  Use quality glue such as Elmer's or rubber cement.

•Clean and proper gluing techniques are expected; no unnecessary glue marks; no torn or frayed edges; pieces need to be adhered to the paper surface.  

•Glue down edges flush with the base.  

•Overall project needs to appear unified, well constructed and well thought out.

•Base paper should not be seen.

•Avoid scrapbook pages and sloppy work.

•Avoid words-let the image speak instead of words

•Elmers glue works best.  Do not use Glue sticks.  They  do not stick for a long period of time

Renaissance art

Renaissance art is a term used to describe the paintings, sculptures and decorative arts which were around in Europe around 1400.  The style is often related to Italy because of some of the Italian artists. Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michaelangelo’s are famous for their art however there are many more.

Some people would describe their style of art as Classical.

The painting techniques were important in this period. The use of perspective to giving a more realistic presentation of art moved Renaissance painters into composing more paintings. Balance and proportion were used to represent actual size.

foreshortening - The term foreshortening refers to the artistic effect of shortening lines in a drawing so as to create an illusion of depth.

sfumato - The term sfumato was coined by Italian Renaissance artist, Leonardo da Vinci, and refers to a fine art painting technique of blurring or softening of sharp outlines by subtle and gradual blending of one tone into another through the use of thin glazes to give the illusion of depth or three-dimensionality. This stems from the Italian word sfumare meaning to evaporate or to fade out. The Latin origin is fumare, to smoke. The opposite of sfumato is chiaroscuro.

chiaroscuro - The term chiaroscuro refers to the fine art painting modelling effect of using a strong contrast between light and dark to give the illusion of depth or three-dimensionality. This comes from the Italian words meaning light (chiaro) and dark (scuro), a technique which came into wide use in the Baroque Period.; Sfumato is the opposite of chiaroscuro.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_art#Techniques

Leonardo da Vinci
Mona Lisa

Raphael

One of Michaelangelo’s work in the Sistene Chapel