Buddha

          There are a lot of periods with different art styles which contributed a lot to the society. From simple artworks to complicated and intricate works spread all over the world. Some still live up until today while some were vanished together with great artists during their time. History was preserved within the care of museums that’s why we still witness artworks which were once created by earlier people. During earlier time, they create art to use in religious activities until they express themselves through art. Art beyond the west occurred together with the development of art from the ancient to renaissance. Different period passed with their distribution to the world of art.  One of the most important eras during their time is the introduction of Buddhism to different countries. It also influenced people through art and art itself. One example is the Kamakura Buddha. It was built within the dojo temple of Kotokuin temple in Japan. It was a Buddha in a meditating position with a height of more than 20ft.

          This Buddha figure was standing for more than a hundred years. Although it’s still standing strong up until now, its walls were destroyed by typhoon which exposed it to people more. It is one of the earliest art which was influenced by Buddhism. This really fascinated me because of the history and its construction. Although earlier machines were not that easy to use, they managed to work and construct it with details and precision. It would be one of the places that I would like to visit in Japan when I went there. The temple itself is best to meditate and pray to God. It is one of the tourist destinations in Japan because of its history and architecture. There are also other Buddha statues in Japan since Buddhism is widely spread there. To summarize things, Buddhism really affected Japan so much from the Asuka period up until now. It’s very influential to people especially in art. If it was not introduced to Japan, it may be a great lost to people back then.

Artemisia's Judith

Baroque art - at first, I thought it was something similar to cubism where most likely it has pointed shapes.  While discussing it with the class, I was surprised that it is similar to renaissance. The only difference is that baroque has more twist than the renaissance and has more motion to it. I also noticed other differences between the two eras. Baroque art has darker background than renaissance and a perfect example of this is the Judith beheading Holofernes by Caravaggio. It has darker background compare to artworks during the renaissance period. In terms of sculpture, Bernini’s David has more motion to it unlike Michelangelo’s David which is in a contrapposto position. In architecture, details are more sophisticate and intricate than during the renaissance period.  An example of a perfect architecture for this is the St. Peter’s Basilica which started during the renaissance period and was continued up until the baroque period that’s why it has different style on it.  Although there are a lot of differences between the two, I still appreciate the way how art flows within each artwork. If I am to be asked which one is my most favorite artwork during the baroque period, I’d choose “Judith beheading Holofernes” by Artemisia Gentileschi. Why? There are facts there which fascinate me.

First of all, it was painted by a woman. Although there are also other women who paint during the baroque time, her works really attracts me the most.  A woman’s perspective is different from a man like how she portrayed the “Susanna and the Elders”.  “Judith beheading Holofernes” is somehow brutal but still interesting. She was able to deliver a clear thought of a woman despising a man and wanting to finish him. It was painted realistically even the blood which burst out after beheading Holofernes. The positions of the three characters in the painting were in a motion-like state where Artemisia captured the right timing and right angle. Her realistic style of painting inspired me to paint with darker colors. She was able to show the emotion of her work with the use of darker colors for the paint. The painting itself really gives the viewer an impression that will last. Her work really pushed through the boundaries of creativity. It’s a nice reference for young artist learning baroque style with a darker colour. To finish this, her ideas are more impressive than the men’s. Why? Because she put herself in the character’s place like what she did in her “Judith beheading Holofernes”. She imagined what if she was Judith.   

RenaiDa

     Renaissance – it is a period where rebirth of art occurred.  It is the time where greater artists were exposed and were applauded by many. Architectural structures that popularized and being talked about up until now. Different painting that would challenge each person's understanding and point of view. Several issues about apprentices and their masters because of their artworks emerged. One of the periods that should be thanked because it happened. Realism style and idealism style are both prominent during this time. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael are some of those who made a huge impact during this period. Their artworks were criticized by many including the church. Paintings like the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper were used to obtain new ideas which were used by other artists. Nude paintings were also abundant and an example of it is the Creation. Although there are many variations of each painting, we still should accept each one since we're all different and unique from each other.

     If I'm the one to be asked about my favourite artwork during their time, I'd probably choose David. Why? It is because of its realistic figure. The way it was made was so intricate that even the veins were all included. Although there are still other artworks like for example the Pieta, It appeals to me more. I also like the Pieta because for me, it shows something religious due to the content of the sculpture. It is a figure of a young Mary with a crucified Jesus on her hands while they both lay on the ground. Paintings also catch my attention. Nude painting is one of my most favourite styles of painting. According to artists before up until now, human figures are the most wonderful subject of art although there are many to mention. The way the body is painted gives me this spark that I should try it myself and do my own composition. Renaissance really gave a big contribution to the world of art. What might have happened if this period didn't existed during its time?