Willem de Kooning, Woman I, 1952
Things to keep in mind while studying:
- How large was this painting? Why is that important to the Abstract Expressionist movement?
- Stylistically, how does de Kooning depict the woman? Be able to describe his brushwork and other formal qualities.
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Jackson Pollock, Autumn Rhythm (Number 30), 1950
Things to think about while studying:
- Pollock was a part of what artistic movement?
- What was this type of painting called? (i.e. what’s the process Pollock used) Explain why Pollock’s painting method was important.
- Compare and contrast this to other mural-size abstractions (for example, Rothko)
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Diego Rivera, Detroit Industry (top image is the north wall, bottom image is the south wall), 1932-33. Located at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
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Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, 1942
Things to think about when studying:
- Hopper was known for simple, quiet compositions - what formal qualities does he use to invoke the idea of alienation?
- Name two other Hopper paintings that have a similar theme of aloneness or abandonment
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Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother, 1936
Things to think about when studying:
- Lange worked for what Depressive-era organization?
- This is an example of what kind of photography?
- How does this image raise social issues and concerns of the 1930s?
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A couple notes about the study questions:
- They are for your benefit - you don’t have to send me the answers. It’s nice to read y’alls thoughts, but really, there’s no need to message me your responses.
- I do not have the answers / I will not be posting answers. The questions are designed to get you thinking about the artwork and draw on the knowledge you already have. If you don’t know the answer to a study question I wrote, the best thing to do is do some independent research (i.e. start googling) and see if you can figure it out yourself. That’s the best way to learn and retain information instead of having the answer given to you. If you have done this and can prove to me you tried to figure the answer out on your own and you still can’t get it, let me know and I’ll help you out.
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Pablo Picasso, Guernica, 1937
Things to think about when studying:
- Picasso painted this for what exhibition? What does it represent / what events inspired the work?
- Why is the black and white color palette significant?
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Meret Oppenheim, Object, 1936
Things to think about when studying:
- This sculpture is an example of what movement?
- How does the artist thwart your expectations of a simple object?
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Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater, 1935. Located in Mill Run, Pennsylvania.
Things to think about when studying:
- This is an example of what architectural style? Name at least 2 other buildings that Wright designed that use the same style.
- What is the architectural term for the porches that extend out and away from the main structure?
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Lou Mailou Jones, Ascent of Ethiopia, 1932
Things to keep in mind while studying:
- Jones was part of what cultural rebirth in New York during the 30s?
- What stylistic elements does Jones use to depict African American heritage?
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Le Corbusier, Villa Savoye, 1929-30. Located in Poissy-sur-Seine, France.
Things to think about when studying:
- This is an example of what architectural style?
- What are the thin supports at the bottom of the house called?
- How does this architecture relate to 2D works made during the same time? What other architectural style did this draw on?
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William Van Alen, The Chrysler Building, 1928-1930
Things to think about when studying:
- The architectural details are designed in what early 20th century style?
- How did skyscrapers change the city of New York and Chicago? Name two inventions that enabled skyscrapers to be built.