Video Art - Three Dimensions

"Three Dimensions"   

   For our final project for Art and Technology class (*sob*) we had to create our own video art that would be at least one minute long (excluding credits) and less that three minutes long (including credits). It had to be somehow related to "Video Deconstruction."

   I must admit that I first I had no idea what to do for my video art project. I had never edited nor even handled with video before (except the for the Performance Art piece), so I was not sure what to do. One night I decided to experiment with my Mac's video camera and the effects that were available in Photo Booth, recording myself with the different special effect. Suddenly I remembered professor Echeverry's example in class, and, inspired by it, I did this: I recorded myself, using my Mac video camera, with my iPad also in video recording mode. This created the same effect that happens when two mirrors are placed facing each other! Then integrated the special effects in Photo Booth and amazing visuals were created. I then knew what I was going to do for my project. I recorded myself every night, doing different things until I decided that it was time to create the video art piece. I used the best recordings of myself and rearranged them in a sort of sequence, using iMovie. I also made the audio using Garage Band, synchronizing it with the video. I must admit that it was rather fun doing it; it really kept my creative juices flowing.

   Anyways, I want to talk more about the video art piece itself. I titled it "Three Dimensions" because it focuses on three effects from Photo Booth that I used, each seeming as I was in a different realm (with the projection effect). Actually, I came up with the name inspired by Marco Brambilla's "Civilization", in which heaven and hell are demonstrated in an eternal loop. The different "dimensions" and "realms" that Brambilla presents led me to title my piece "Three Dimensions." It really came out of nowhere but I believe it suits it. So, in terms of the "video deconstruction" aspect, there are many things to consider. First of all, for me "deconstruction" means the separation, division or the taking of a part of a whole and rearranging them in some other way (with the possibility of adding something as well). The first thing of technical deconstruction in the video is the quick cutting, since I took and "separated" small parts of the original recording and placed them in different order and speed. In other words, only small fragments of the part are seen and changed quickly (fragmentation). Going deeper and more abstract, I believe that each part or "dimension" includes some kind of deconstruction, even if it is just a moment. The first one, the one with the negative effect, I see the fact that the original person is negative while the negative of that one is displayed on the smaller person and so forth as an abstract deconstruction. The "negative" is actually separated from the "positive." It may not make much sense, but I admit that I see it that way. On the second one, I believe that there is deconstruction, since each projection of myself, as it gets smaller, is even more altered and deconstructed. It slowly becomes less distinguishable and fragmented. I must admit that I really cannot find some sort of deconstruction on the third one, yet I believe that it is one of the most powerful ones.

   So, it may seem rather simple but believe me: it was way harder than it looks!

  I really hope you like it!

  Good night and good luck with your final exams/projects! (If you have any that is.)

   Sincerely,

   Michelle

  

About Miku Hatsune

   After reading James Verini's "How Virtual Pop Star Hatsune Miku Blew Up in Japan", I definitely know and understand more about the famous Japanese star Miku Hatsune. What is the most surprising thing about this subject is that Miku is not human; she is a singing synthesizer software or application that is portrayed as a 5'2", 16 year-old girl, who weights 92 pounds, is skinny, has blue eyes and hair that is tied to two long ponytails that almost touch the ground. Her voice is created by Yahama's Vocaloid, a software technology that allows singing melodies and voices to be created by using small fragments of voices from true singers. Then the voice can be altered, changed and modified to create singing voices like that of Miku's. She is a singing sensation in many regions of Asia, even though she is inhuman.

   The interesting thing about Miku's story is that she started as a promotional and advertising strategy. At the time (and still today), almost any company and organization created in Japan contains an animated mascot or symbol and Miku Hatsune was initially formed to be Crypton Future Media's representative. This organization constructs virtual instrument applications, like the ones used to make the sound heard in video games and commercials. In 2007, Hiroyuki Itoh, Crypton Future Media's CEO, was searching for an effective way to promote his new virtual vocal software, one he had enhanced and constructed with the help of the Vocaloid 2. He believed that, in order for his program to be successful, he had to create a persona or symbol and he recruited a professional illustrator named Kei to create one that would attract young people's attention and make them interested in buying the Vocaloid 2. That is when Miku Hatsune was born: "Miku" meant "future", while "Hatsune"meant "first sound". He was officially "born" in August 31st in 2007, when her programing was finally distributed.

   Miku became a sensation, and the fact that she is not human or real contributed in that. Since she had no past, the fans could create it on their own. In addition, she could last for many years, while human singers could not last as long as a virtual singer. There is also an immense interaction by the followers, since they create art, manga, videos, among many more, their own version of Miku. This is actually referred as "secondary creativity". It is this interaction that truly makes Miku come alive and become more human. Miku's popularity grew so fast that, when Otaku created a site that allowed the fans to upload their videos and art, fans' creations were already posted that same day. In addition to more posts being uploaded to Otaku's site, many fan pages were also created, where they wrote songs for her to sing, and dance programs, like MikuMikuDance. It is estimated that 3,000 songs made from followers can be found on Japanese iTunes and Amazon and numerous homemade videos have been uploaded to Youtube. Also, many Miku merchandise is being sold in all parts of Japan, from T-shirts, toys, outfits and more. It is surprising that there is even Miku porn, which is disturbing. What is shocking is that people actually pay to go to a Miku concert, in which the virtual image of Miku is projected on a flat screen, while real musicians play their instruments. Her first one, in Tokyo in 2010, had everything sold  out. She has hosted six more concerts, in which about 3,000 fans attended.

   Many share the same opinion about the magic people find in Miku Hatsune: "She's rather more like a goddess: she has human parts, but she transcends human limitations. She is the great post-human popstar." Like in almost everything, many others completely disagree with the previous statement. However, Miku continues to be an overwhelming singing sensation in Japan.

A Miku Hatsune concert

A Miku Hatsune music video

Have a good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

My Performance Art Piece

  For my next Art and Technology project, I had do a performance art piece, with the Role of Technology as main topic and with at least ten people present. It also had to be three minutes long.

   Inspired by two performance art videos shown in class, I decided to make my performance art about a fact that is taking over today: Technology is becoming part of us, to an extent that we cannot live effectively without it, becoming slaves of what was created to facilitate our daily lives. Today we use technology in almost anything and would not survive if we have to live without it. From simple applications to computers, we are rapidly becoming more and more dependent on technology. I mean, almost everybody, including me, would fall in panic if our cellphones did not work. Others must have the newest and most innovative technologies, no matter how much it takes. Even though many, also including me, try to not become so dependent and attached to technologies (like the computer), most just come back, not able to continue without it. As more technologies arise, the more humans become slaves of it. This is the message intended to be transmitted by my performance art piece.

   My performance art piece is composed of two factors: my appearance before, during and after the scene and the scene itself. For the first, I put on short pajamas and left my hair tangled and messy, which symbolize the fact that many barely leave their homes and stay in that condition while stuck using the computer. For the technology part, I used charcoal from my Figure Drawing class and drew on my body. On my face, I used the charcoal to draw really deep and dark shadow below my eyes. For some other parts of my face, neck, wrists, arms and legs, I drew a representation of those lines that end in a circle that are usually found on computer chips. Here is an image of what I mean:

   The appearance part of the performance art piece mainly presents the fact that technology is becoming part of us, in this case being literally. To further explain the choice of clothes, it basically points out that the person stays in his/her house most of the time, using the computer or watching TV. This also begins to enter the topic of us becoming slaves of technology, not able or wanting to go out and do other things. We are completely attached to technology. Event though the appearance scratches the surface of that topic, the scene/performance is the one that mainly focuses on it.

   For the second part of my performance art piece, I used my Mac and gathered many kinds of cables (chargers, headphones, etc). Settling in the Vaughn Courtyard, I would attach the smooth Mac cover under the computer (so it would not get scratched) and the cables in different parts of the computer. After I doing this, I would tie the cables to the areas where I drew the computer lines, which were in the neck, wrists, and the bottom part of my legs. After I did  this, the scene began: I would struggle to break free of the cables, pulling and tugging but not able to get free. I dragged myself, and the computer with me, for a couple of minutes. At some times I screamed for help in Spanish (¡Auxilio!, ¡Ayuda!), to give it a more dramatic sense (unfortunately, due to some difficulties, I did not include audio in the video). This represents the fact that we are becoming slaves of technology. In this case, I am a slave of my computer; I try to do something else, but I cannot stop using my computer. I am literally bound, connected and trapped to the computer. Even though many try to not become so attached to technology, we already cannot live without it and remain as its slave. The topic of technology becoming part of us can be seen in my performance art in the concept on the fact that where the cables were tied to me, the chip lines began to appear. This actually meant to be seen as if the cables were actually becoming part of me and entering my skin. It is a bit complicated, but I hope the pictures will help.

   

   First of all, I am a kinda shy and conservative person, who avoids attracting too much attention. So, for me this was a really tough and challenging project, making me get out of my comfort zone. I must say that I will never do anything like it again (only if it is required for a class). When I walked down the stairs in Vaughn, it took me five minutes for me to get out there and walk to the courtyard. As soon as I did, I felt everyone's gaze on me, as I heard some whispering and others laughing. I felt so vulnerable and embarrassed! Yet, I held my look firm and blocked them out. I felt that way throughout the entire performance, but my cameraman kept cracking jokes and comments and really helped me loosen up and enjoy it. I felt extremely awkward, but after the first seconds, I gained confidence and performed  with less tension and worry. For a moment I felt free of my insecurity (even though I could not get free from the computer). I saw how some kept looking at me, while others just took a glance and continued their way. I felt good because I was actually transmitting them a message, a reality that is taking place today. After I finished my act, I admit that I felt vulnerable, but very proud of myself. I had pushed myself and stepped out of my comfort zone. I usually avoid that, so I really did something that will definitely make me more confident of myself and less conscious about what others think of me. In other words, even though I felt uncomfortable, this performance art piece helped me grow.

   BLOOPER: I was supposed to take off my tennis shoes... but I was so nervous and anxious to get it over with that I forgot. I was supposed to do the scene with socks on, contributing to the whole pajamas concept. Oops!

So, before watching the video, here are some pictures of how I looked like just before heading to the Vaughn Courtyard:

My face (I look so creepy!)

Creepy..

A better view of my neck (crappier because for some reason it became harder to draw there...)

My wrist

Other side

Another one

My drawn leg

Another view

Other leg

My computer with the attached cables

Here is the Performance Art Video! 

Enjoy!

Take care!

Sincerely, 

Michelle

About Scopitones.com

   If anyone is interested in learning more about the scopitones, watch earlier music videos (films) and many more, he or she should check out scopitones.com. This internet site shows many early music videos (from many places around the world), books and news about them, information about the cinebox, scopitones, film and television and many more.  Many other categories, especially related to the scopitones, can be found and are very useful. For example, a definition for the scopitone is given, which is a French machine, constructed in 1916, that holds 35 reels of 60-minute films and allows any of these films to be projected unto a screen. News related to scopitones are also available through this site, as well as opportunities for actually buying one. The best feature about this site is that it contains many early music videos, when special effects were barely used and only one camera as used to record. In many aspects related to this amazing machine, scopitones.com contains useful information and applications about these topics. 

   Here are some photos of scopitones:

  

   Here are some of the videos that can be found on the site:

Here is the link to scopitones.com:

http://scopitones.com/

Have a good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

    

Difference Between Advertisement and Propaganda

                                          

   Although both may have similar ways of being implanted and used, advertisement and propaganda are different, especially on what they intend to persuade or convince. First of all, propaganda is the use of messages, which are usually false, twisted, exaggerated or modified, in order to receive support and persuade people to believe in a specific ideal or purpose (which are usually political or religious-based). On the other hand, advertisement focuses more on business, trying to make people buy and/or consume a specific product by using true (well, mostly) statements and facts. Propaganda is more of  persuasive technique in communication, whereas advertisement is more used for commercial and sell-product reasons. The transmitting of a persuasive message in order to make someone interested in a specific product or brand and gradually buying it is found in advertising. Their base purpose in not entirely related to political or cultural points of view. They might use those ideals to make people purchase their merchandise, yet the true reason for it is to sell the most they can only. In contrast, propaganda is a type of communication that uses misleading statements and messages to make people believe and support a specific point of view, idea, culture or belief. It basically promotes the civilians to "buy" and "consume" the messenger's  philosophy and way of thinking and seeing things. Advertisement makes the consumer believe that the buying of the company's product will make his/her life better and easier, even if it means exaggerating sometimes. Propaganda may use the same mass media techniques and ways of promoting but is is used to create or change society's opinion and attitude towards a specific topic, person, place, etc. Also, while advertising is used by companies and businesses, propaganda is implanted by political, cultural and ethnic groups and organizations. 

   They might differ in their kinds of purposes, but there is a delicate and thin division between them. Even though most businesses use advertising by utilizing certain images, some also use beliefs and public opinion to promote the purchasing of their product and vice versa (with propaganda). This is were the line between propaganda and advertising starts to become thinner. Companies use a specific ideology and point of view to create a reason, motivation or need in the consumers to buy their merchandise, while propaganda promotes people to implant and and apply an idea or philosophy through ways completely connected to advertising. In other words, businesses use the fact that people want to better their lives, become successful or just follow a specific social culture to make people continue to purchase their brands. Likewise, propaganda is combined with advertisement-based messages and techniques in order to be more successful of implanting their specific purpose. Both are different, yet they intertwine and join together on occasions, breaking the barrier between them. Both also reach out to the audience's emotions, beliefs, desires and needs in order to achieve their intention and purpose.

Good night and have a great Thanksgiving!

Have fun! 

Sincerely,

Michelle

My Favorite Flash Mob

Grand Station Flash Mob

   To be honest, I have not seen many flash mobs in my life (at least I think so...). I must admit that my favorite is the one that occurred in Grand Central in New York, where 207 people froze at the same time and for 5 minutes. I know that the professor showed it to us on class, but, after watching many, I have concluded that this is my top favorite flash mob, followed by the one below. On the second one, a group of people perform in front of the Sydney Opera House, with famous and amazing Joyce Maynge. I find the synchronization really effective and the many yet simple movements to emphasize that unity. I really liked it and hope that some day I can participate in such an incredible flash mob!

Sydney Opera House Flash Mob

Good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

About Eva and Adele

   Claiming to have come from the future in Berlin (after the fall of the great wall) thanks to a time machine, Eva and Adele are an art couple that claim to be themselves a work of art. Both being completely bald, wearing bright-colored and surreal dresses and outfits and having the same type of makeup, they say that "Wherever we are is museum" and "We are an artwork". However, that have always made sure to look exactly the same as each other as well as eating the same food. Neither of them tell anyone their real names and ages, yet many claim that they are in their 50's. They have been married 22 years, and, even though Eva is a man, they express their marriage as two women. Eva managed to have her sex legally changed without having to actually change her body. They are always together and must always be prepared and with all the necessary makeup in order to receive any kind of guest or visit. 

   Besides being art themselves, they are known for their performance shows, self-portraits and more. One of their works is the  MEDIAPLASTIC series, in which they integrate pictures of themselves obtained from newspapers and other forms of media to make drawings and paintings.

They also utilize video clips of themselves in their work. In addition, they work on a project called CUM, in which they use pictures taken from other people to show how others see the couple. Since they love to be taken pictures of, they give the photographers postcards with their address so that they can send them a copy of the picture in return of the permission. They receive numerous photos from many countries and apply them to their art projects and works. Eva and Adele also work extensively with self-portraits. On these drawings, they focus on self-awareness, taking photos and videos of themselves. They take pictures every day, changing positions and gestures to use them in their self-portraits, creating a "diary" called Closed Up (Integrating another called Self- Timer Photography. In addition to the types of works previously mentioned, the couple also create biographic sculptures.

   Although expensive, their works of art are amazing to witness as well as the creators themselves, who are truly themselves a living work of art.

Some of their works:

^ We can see how Adele and Eva express that they come from the future. ^

^ We can see more of Adele and Eva's artwork. ^

Good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

My Xerox Project

   Hi everyone! The most recent Art and Technology assignment is called "The Xerox Peroject". It consisted on scanning parts of your body (face, hands, arms, feet, etc) and creating a work of art using those scans. It could be a 2-D (2x3 feet) or 3-D. After seeing some examples that the professor gave in class, I got an idea. Since I am a "go green" person, I had kept all of the mail package boxes that my family had sent me throughout the semester under my bed. I decided to use two of the larger ones for my project, since I would also be recycling. To be honest, I had no idea what to do as my project, design-wise. Since I have a printer at my dorm room, I began to scan some parts of my face to see if I gat any ideas or inspiration to base my Xerox project on. I was brainstorming, sitting on my room desk, when I saw my Flipbook Project. That was when I obtained my inspiration: I would create my Xerox Project designed based and inspired by my two previous Art and Technology assignments! From the Flipbook, I took the concept of the flower, while from the Grid Art, I chose the image of the peacock. I would do each design on one of the sides of the boxes respectively. Then, on the two remaining smaller sides, I would just create a simple style or collage-style design. I admit that it was a lot harder than I thought! Anyways, I hope you like it! 

   Here are a couple of photos:

I truly hope you like it as much as I do!

Good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

Iconoclasts

   People who are involved in "Iconoclasm", doctrine that focuses on the rejection, attack and destruction of religious paintings, sculptures, images or other symbols, are called iconoclasts. They believe that certain views and beliefs are erroneous and superficial; therefore, they perceive that they have the obligation and duty to get rid of these venerating and religious or political based icons. Today, the term "iconoclast" is used to refer a person who contradicts and challenges a dogma or strong belief. Many argue that any representation of God or saints must be made with the same materials as the original one. This, of course, is impossible; as a result, they destroy any image that tries to symbolize or create the appearance of any religious saint or God. Other ones believe that the objects created only separate the sacred and devine aspect from the human nature. On the other hand, the ones who admire and are deeply attached to religious object are called "iconolaters", "iconodules" or "iconophiles". "Iconoclasm" usually happens after a sudden and significant religious or politician alteration or change, like when a king(or queen) dies or is overthrown. Even though it occurs between different and opposing religions, it mostly happens between certain aspects within one religious dogma. For example, this happens in the Catholic Church regarding the Ten Commandments, in which many argue that it prohibits the creating and adoration of anything that is made to resemble something else (images, sculptures, etc.) There had also been many cultural and political "Iconoclasm", like the Byzantine, Muslim, Reformation and others. A more specific example is one done by Protestant reformers in Zurich, Geneva, Scotland, La Rochelle and many more in 1566. They promoted the destruction or removal of religious images and sculptures of God, claiming that it was prohibited to use and construct objects to represent God. They attacked and got rid of these images, and some of them were removed without any form of violence. This event was called "The Beeldenstorm". A more contemporary example happened in India on June 2010, where people began to throw stones at religious structures at Deganga. After three days, the riots calmed down, but many buildings, worship places and religious structures were left destroyed, vandalized and desecrated. A similar event happened in Bangladesh, where many iconoclasts targeted and destroyed Hindu temples and believers. Many of these buildings were vandalized and others were completely demolished, like the Sonargaon temple by Islamic followers. "Iconoclasm" still takes place today, especially on countries like India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Malaysia and others. 

The Saints in this structure were beheaded in the period of "The Beeldenstorm".

Have a good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

About Joseph Beuys

Besides being an art theorist, graphic and installation artist and sculptor, Joseph Beuys was a Fluxus, Happening and performance artist that was born on 1921 in Krefeld, Germany, and died of a heart attack(because of an illness) on 1986 in Düsseldorf. He focused on aspects of anthroposophy, humanism and social philosophy, integrating the concept of social sculpture as a gesamtkunstwerk or "total and ideal work of art". It is an art that stoves to utilize and incorporate all the existing art forms. By "social sculpture", he meant the idea to the idea that art had the potential to change society or the environment. Many say that he shaped society and politics; in addition, he is considered to be one of the most influential performance artists in mid 1900's. He applied shamanism in his lifestyle as well as in his projects. He believed that humanity was slowly elimination emotions, what he describes as a major source of energy, imagination and creativity in each person, since society was shifting its view to rationality. He expressed his audience that they had to maintain their own "spiritual" side in order to incorporate emotions and feeling to the contribution of mankind. His works concentrate on four topics or concepts: traditional art (installations, sculpturing, painting and drawing), social and political actions,  contributions to the theory of art and academic teaching and performance. He was first involved in Fluxus, but then decided that he's points of views and beliefs were too different. 

   One of his most famous performances (the first one) was "How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare" presented in 1965, which he could be seen form the gallery glass windows. His face was covered with honey and gold leaf, and he had an iron slab attached to his boot, as he cradled a dead hare. He mumbled things and explained the drawing of the wall to the dead animal. Everything had a symbol. For example, talking to a dead hare meant that there are people in society that have less intuition than a dead animal, while honey, which was related to bees, represented the perfect society of warmth and compassion. In addition, the iron slab represented the principle of connection and strength with the earth. Examples of performances as this one are "EURASIA", "Scottish Symphony" and "Celtic" Another project he was known for was "I Like America and America Likes Me", which he spent eight hours for three days locked in his room with a wild coyote. 

Good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

About Sheryl Oring

   Giving up journalism in the 1990's and concentrating on art in Germany, Sheryl Oring is a performance artist well known by her project called "I wish to say". She currently works as a  teaching assistant and graduate assistant in the University of California at San Diego. Integrating old and new forms and styles of media and analyzing the opinion of the public and its diverseness in her works, she focuses her art in the questioning of technology and its importance and function in society today. She relies on other people's contribution to her projects, which are interactive and can be in form of videos, photos, books, performances and others based on the internet. Having once focused on journalism, she achieves her  artworks by using tools like the camera, interviews, typewriters, archives and pens. Her main points of view have been three: the purpose of free expression in society, the role of artists in inspiring and racing in the audience and the future of the book in an all-digital era. She explains that her art is "about telling stories" and that communication is an art form. She expresses that her works usually begin with a question or idea, where she develops it with investigation and exploration. She focuses mainly on projects that are interactive with and require a complete process, especially related to the First Amendment or the history of the people.

  

   Right now, Oring is working on a project she started on 2004 called "I wish to Say", in which she dresses herself as a secretary from the 1960's, sets up a public office (with manual typewriter form that time) and asks people on the street, "If I were the president of the United States, what would you wish to say to me?" The people interested in her question can dedicate postcards for the president, which Orning could display or they are sent to the White House. She explains once that, while being in Germany, many Europeans commented that all Americans think alike. This inspired her to start this project in order to prove the wide range of diversity that exists between Americans. She videotapes and takes photos of the performance in order to include them on her shows or present them in exhibitions. In addition, she uses the work obtained for commercial and art books and will be stored digitally on a website so that everyone can share their opinions and views. She enjoys listening to people and having a normal conversation with them. She believes that this is because she was a journalist at first, working as a newspaper writer and editor.

   Besides working on the "I Wish to Say" project, she is also working on others, like "Creative Fix" and "Death by Facebook". Many of her projects have been presented on numerous locations, like at the McCormick Freedom Museum in Chicago, Bryant Park at The New York Public Library, San Diego  Museum of Art, Conflux Festival in New York and others. In addition, she has received various scholarships thanks to her work, like the Creative Capital Foundation grant and the Puffin Foundation grant. 

   In terms of what relation there is between Sheryl Oring's "I wish to Say" project with what Bobby Baker does is that they both send packages to very important and powerful people. Maybe Baker was inspired by Oring to send packages of toothpaste pillows to the Queen, or vice versa. In other words, they have the same concept of sending something meaningful (or not) to these kind of people. 

Have a good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

About Brion Gypsin

Dreamachines
"Writing is fifty years behind painting."
- Brion Gypsin

   Born in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, Brion Gypsin was known as a writer, sound poet, painter and performance artist in the 20th century. He discovered the cut-up method and technique, a new approach to creating art, which was also used by the famous William Burroughs. This method involves cutting text and then arranging it to create new one. He was cutting through some newspapers when he discovered that the different slices created new and different texts and meanings. With the help of the engineer Ian Sommerville, Gypsin created the Dreamachine, a moving device made as art that has to be truly appreciated by seeing with with eyes closed, which caused complete mental relaxation and a hallucinatory state. It was officially presented in 1962. However, he was most known in paintings and drawings, focusing on calligraphic art influenced by Arabic Script and Japanese "grass" script. He attempted to integrate painting and writing to generate a new system of mark-making. Gypsin also created poems known as permutation poems, which involved the repetition of a phrase but rearranging in a different order every time it is pronounced. Many of the permutation were created by an early computer program that Ian Sommerville possessed. 

This is one of his most known permutations:

I AM THAT I AM

AM I THAT I AMI THAT AM I AMTHAT I AM I AMAM THAT I I AMTHAT AM I I AMI AM I THAT AMAM I I THAT AMI I AM THAT AMI I AM THAT AMAM I I THAT AMI AM I THAT AMI THAT I AM AMTHAT I I AM AMI I THAT AM AMI I THAT AM AMTHAT I I AM AMI THAT I AM AMAM THAT I I AMTHAT AM I I AMAM I THAT I AMI AM THAT I AM.

Good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

About Joseph McCarthy

   American politician Joseph Raymond McCarthy was the Republican U. S. Senator from 1947 to 1957(death) of the state of Wisconsin. He was greatly known for his ideas they there were many Soviet and Communist spies and supporters in the United States federal government. During his era, many people were falsely punished, attacked, accused and imprisoned because they were believed to be Communist or supporters. Others lost their employment and their careers were ended. McCarthy used these reasons to accuse and and attack numerous political members and parties inside and outside the U.S. government. Due to his lack of proof about his claims, he was censored by the U. S. Senate. He died in 1957 due to hepatitis, which is believed to be caused by his alcoholism. 

After he died, an investigation was commenced. It was proven that some people inside the U.S. political department were indeed supporting and helping Soviet purposes and efforts. In the end, many politicians, investigators and historians made McCarthy the object of criticism and ridicule. 

Many people use the term "McCarthyism" began to be used to refer to highly anti-communist groups, associations and parties. It is now defined as the act of accusing because of disloyalty, treason and/or subversion without any kind of proof or evidence. It describes unsubstantiated claims as well as attacks by a demography supported to other political parties and groups.

I am not sure if this is the McCarthy I was supposed to blog about (only wrote the last name). If it is someone else, I will change it as quickly as possible!

Good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

Bauhaus

   Operating from 1919 to 1933, Staatliches Bauhaus was a German design school well known for the types of designs they focused on, taught and publicized. It was the most influential modernist art school in the 1900's. It was formed due to the trend of the Arts and Crafts Movement.  Better known as Bauhau, which means "school of building", this department combined the aspect of crafts and architecture with the fine arts. Even thought the founder, Walter Gropius, was an architect, the school did not have an architecture program in its first years. However, it was created to produce complete art, where all the elements of art (like architecture) would be integrated together. Bauhaus was operated in three parts in Germany: first in Weimar, then in Dessau and lastly in Berlin. There were also three directors during those three periods: Walter Gropius, Hannes Meyer and Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe. Unfortunately, this school was shut down do the tension of Nazi influence and regimen. It was founded to create unity between architecture, art and technology (all arts). They taught fine art and design education. They also did not teach any history of art, since they believed that art itself had to be created using the fist principles and not the previous ones (precedent). Even though they were not exactly a group (they were a school), there were many known Bauhaus artists: Marcel Breuer, Wassily Kandinsky, Max Bill and more. 

   The style created in Bauhaus was very important in art history because it greatly influenced posterior development and growth of architecture, typography, are and graphic, interior and industrial design. In addition, it contributed on Modernist Architecture and modern design. It also influenced art in other countries, like Europe, the United States and Canada, due to the exile of many artists and creators by the Nazi government. One of the most important impacts that Bauhaus formed was in the department of modern furniture design, like the Cantilever chair and the Wassily chair. Also, the great Steve Jobs was inspired by the Bauhaus style and integrated their concept in his inventions. This movement greatly inspired, developed and contributed to the growth of the arts, crafts and technology, integrating them all together to form the "complete or total art."

Bauhaus' own curriculum

Armchair by Marcel Breuer

Tea infuser and strainer by Marianne Brandt

MR armchair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Slate Sink by Maxim

By Walter Gropius

Good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

If you are interested to know more about Bauhaus, take a look in these sites!

• http://www.theartstory.org/movement-bauhaus.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bauhaus
• http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/bauh/hd_bauh.htm