Circle Collective | Contemporary Artists

Purvis Young, one of today’s most important American artists. 30-min full length documentary available at www.purvisyoung.com.

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Shi Xinning was born on 1969 in Liaoning Province, China. Trained in China, Shi Xinning’s paintings are influenced by both social realism and European styles. Using the authoritative qualities of both, Shi embarks on history painting with a twist. Taking his imagery from iconic press photos, Shi’s canvases faithfully represent the world as we know it, the Yalta Conference in familiar 40s sepia tone, the Queen Mum in carriage emblazoned in newspaper black and white. It’s only on second glance that Shi’s alterations become evident. Nestled between Churchill and FDR and conversing happily with royalty, Mao takes his place amongst the great leaders of the 20th century.

In China-fying history, Shi investigates dynamics of both the west’s Eurocentric, and China’s isolationist past world views. Humorously illustrating the Chairman’s import and omnipresence in 20th c Chinese society Shi’s insertion of Mao into the fabric of western collective conscience seems entirely plausible. Infusing the totems of propaganda currency with a sense of normality and humility, Shi re-authors the most cherished moments of collective memory with a ‘Forrest Gump’ effect, creating a specious mythology based in Hollywood schmaltz and unabashed optimism.

Selected Exhibitions:

2005

• The Road Map of Painting, Beijing, China

• The Other Shore of This Shore, Pingyao, China

• Mahjong, Kunstmuseum, Bern, Switzerland

• China Contemporary Painting, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Bologna, Italy

2004

• Landscapes, Shanghai Gallery of Art, Shanghai, China

• New Perspectives in Chinese Painting, Marella Art Gallery, Milan, Italy

• China’s Photographic Painting, China Art Seasons Gallery, Beijing, China

2003

• Moyemode, Moyemobude, 798 Art Zone, Beijing, China

• China Art Now, Marella Art Gallery, Milan, Italy

2002

• Contemporary Art Exhibition, Deduct Fabricate Copy, Beijing, China

2001

• Fake Reality, Beijing, China

1999

• Contemporary Art Show “Out-of-control”, Beijing, China

1998

• Contemporary Art Exhibition, “In the City- Individuality”, Beijing, China

Conclusions:

Shi Xinning had already established his own style and the impact of the work had won him a strong reputation in Chinese art circles.

What to Do Next…

If you want any information about Shi Xinning or looking for his paintings please visit us on http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/shi_xinning.htm

Saatchi-gallery
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/about-shi-xinning-a-chinese-artist-124342.html

Headline:
Edge of Arabia
Contemporary Art from Saudi Arabia

Link:
http://universes-in-universe.org/eng/bien/venice_biennale/2009/tour/edge_of_arabia

Snip:
The works of the Saudi contemporary artists featured in Edge of Arabia in Venice explore the complex and diverse reality of 21st century life in Saudi Arabia, combining installation, performance and a variety of other media with a multidisciplinary approach to artistic practice. In its outlook and range, the works are as much personal or domestic as they are geopolitical.

The exhibition deconstructs misconceptions concerning Saudi Arabia, by presenting a series of reflections on local identity, the environment, individual (re)constructions of the past, and our 21st century engagement with the future. Edge of Arabia in Venice provides a unique and unpredictable perspective on the hitherto little-known contemporary art culture of Saudi Arabia.

which kind of arts ?

drawing : Ibraheem alneighetheir & lots
sculpturing : Ali altokhais & lots
Photography : LOTS " i'm part of photographers society in KSA "
Btw : (Fadhaa) is a photography group from Ha'il they're one of the best ten Photography groups around the world .. i can give u sum info. about photography in KSA

do u consider them as artisits ?

While Blackpool is known primarily as a tourist resort with amazing amusement arcades and fun fairs, the town also has many museums and art galleries of note.

The Louis Tussauds Waxworks on Central Promenade is certainly Blackpool’s most famous museum. It contains five floors of incredibly lifelike waxwork figures of the Royal family, along with film stars, great singers, superstar athletes and politicians. The museum also has a Chamber of Horrors that is not for the faint of heart and the Anatomy Exhibition.

Science lovers will thoroughly enjoy the Golden Mile Centre on Central Promenade which features a popular Exhibition of the Universe, complete with various aliens and UFOs. The exhibit was created by David Boyle, a researcher who specializes in the spiritual, the supernatural and the unexplained.

Now that you are in a “science fiction mood,” you should pop into the Dr Who Exhibition and Museum, which is just a few short steps away. The Dr Who Exhibit includes a massive collection of original props and costumes spanning 40 years of British science fiction on television.

The Blackpool Model Village and Gardens is another impressive sight, occupying two-and-a-half acres of beautiful gardens on Stanley Park. The exhibit features hundreds of models, including a model windmill and castle, set against a stunning backdrop of lakes, running streams and waterfalls.

If boats are your thing, then the Blackpool Lifeboat Station and Visitor Centre on Central Promenade may be just what the doctor ordered. Standing beneath the imposing shadow of Blackpool Tower, the lifeboat station has a delightful visitors’ centre with its own interactive displays, a viewing gallery and a souvenir shop.

Blackpool may have only one legitimate art gallery, but what a gallery it is. The Grundy Art Gallery, located right next to the Blackpool Central Library on Queen Street, is widely regarded as one of the premiere small galleries in the United Kingdom. Built in 1911 as a multi-purpose building, the Grundy Art Gallery offers a tranquil haven of peace and serenity to those who wish to escape Blackpool’s hustle and bustle even for a moment.

The gallery is named in honor of the Grundy brothers, Cuthbart and John, two avid art collectors who donated their impressive collection of paintings to the town of Blackpool in 1903. Hence, the Grundy Art Gallery was formed. Today, the gallery boasts of a huge collection of oils and watercolors, including classic and modern British paintings, Oriental ivories and prints.

Over the years, the gallery’s collection has grown considerably and now includes quite a number of ceramics and old photographs depicting Blackpool’s rich history. Throughout the year, many of the foremost local and national artists stage special exhibitions to the delight of visitors.

Although Blackpool only has one art gallery, there are many temporary exhibitions all year round, especially during the summer months at the North Pier. Recently, the North Pier played host to the George Formby Centenary Exhibitions, which commemorated the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary film star and singer.

Over at South Promenade is another permanent display of contemporary art dubbed as the Great Promenade Show. Some of the leading artists and designers in the UK pool their talents to make this year-round outdoor exhibit a hit by contributing noteworthy pieces of sculptures, art pieces and even lighting. At night, the exhibit becomes an inspirational sight, especially when the light hits certain angles and creates new dimensions.

While touring Blackpool for its museums and galleries, visitors should also take note of the town’s many offerings in the realm of dance, such as the annual Dance Festival, contemporary dance school and the tea dances every Saturday at the Tower Ballroom. For these and other reasons, Blackpool has gained some fame as Britain’s capital of dance.

With its theatres regularly hosting the English National Ballet and with the town itself serving as the venue for the World Ballroom Dance competitions, Blackpool has certainly earned its niche in the world of dance. But nothing reinforces its reputation as Britain’s dance capital than the annual Blackpool Dance Festival.

Now over 80 years old, the Dance Festival brings together top dancers from over 50 countries to compete in ballroom and Latin American dancing. The competition almost always includes the British Open Championships. Being the best looking pair on the floor doesn’t guarantee victory but it certainly helps. And the competitors know that as well, as evidenced by these statistics. During the annual Dance Festival, dancers consume about 2,000 cans of hairspray, 1,000 bottles of nail varnish, 3,000 bottles of fake tan and use up over 1,500 pairs of tights.

If you enjoy contemporary dance, then a trip to Blackpool’s leading theatres should be in order. Both the Grand Theatre and the Opera House are renowned for staging modern and hip musicals.

Meanwhile, if you want to do more than just watch, then bring your dancing shoes and head for any of the many dance schools in Blackpool which offer everything from modern and ballroom dancing to ballet, jazz and tap dancing.

Article by Susan Ashby of Blackpool Singles. To read more articles like this or for dating in Blackpool visit htpp://www.Blackpool-singles.co.uk

Susan Ashby
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/blackpools-museums-and-art-galleries-137351.html

let me put it this way:

a USMC sniper team would likely kill every samurai that ever lived before the samurai even knew what was going on.

hypothetically knowledge SHOULD improve, technology SHOULD improve.

however, depending on how one trains, many people today don't train with the mentality to fight for combat. (and take out the obvious technology improvements in weaponry)

i wouldn't imagine there were too many hobbyists back in the day.

today we have teh POTENTIAL to be better and by all means we should, but depending on the context and the art in question i don't see that in all cases we would be since there are not always pressure testing outlets for all arts on the same level.

its really hard to say that you can't really generalize.

by all rights we should be, but youhave to take into context that most people today are hobbyists and don't train to fight and kill the way martial arts (aka fighting) were originally designed for.

and there is no cause for this- again however, balance that against the building on past knowledge and the loss of past knowledge and the dilution of it through poor masters and not testing it to learn it properly and the intensity and desire of the student and the societal context that learning to fight actually fits in, and its really anyone's guess to the point that i don't think you can generalize one way or the other.

A Brief History of Art - The Foundation of Photography on Canvas

A quick tour through the Art of Ages leads nicely into the contemporary art form of photography on canvas. It is a journey through time that illustrates advances in technology and how it is that photography on canvas is the next logical step in the revolution of art and culture.

Ancient art is scare and far between to locate, mostly because so much of it has been destroyed over time. That which has been found is spectacular in its precision and the use of unexpected materials. As far back as the Bronze Age in Greece, the Minoans were already creating beautiful ceramics and stone carvings, a practice that is very much used today. Typical ceramic patterns included simply geometric, pictures of wildlife and flowers. The Minoans were also very skilled goldsmiths, creating gorgeous jewellery and masks for royalty, temples and the nobility. Clearly, art in the ancient Minoan culture involved much more than simply drawings and paintings.

In the Middle Ages, Indian Islamic art covered a wide variety of crafts including illustrated manuscripts, ceramics, metal-works and glass. The earliest known Indian paintings are called petroglyph’s. A petroglyph is an image created by removing part of a rock surface through pecking and carving. The word comes from the Greek petros (stone) and glyphein meaning to carve. Consider that every manuscript ever written and illustrated, every stone carving and every piece of art in that time was done by hand and took days, weeks, even months and years to complete! It was an astronomical amount of work that, although integral to the culture of the time, paid insignificant monies. As always in history, the Islamic artists of the
day barely eked out a living.

The rise of Romanesque art refers to the period from 1000 to the onset of Gothic art in the 12Th century. Gothic art, also known as religious Christian art, developed alongside the rise of monasticism in Western Europe. Its architectural design is dominated by thick walls, and round-headed windows and arches. The name Romanesque comes from the 19Th century art historians, since it was the first time since ancient Rome that Roman architectural forms were used in both art and architecture. Stained glass was popular at this time. All of the figures in stained glass are religious and Christian in origin. They are colorful and highly proficient in design.

Modern art is a term that applies to artwork produced during the mid-1800s until the 1970s. Like all historical artwork it reflects a very distinct cultural style and attitude. Modern artists experimented with different ways of seeing the world. Andy Warhol made his mark in New York City with his expression of pop culture. His first exhibition opened November 6Th, 1962. It ran for one month and received mixed reviews from critics and the public. The drawback to modern or contemporary art as it is also called is the public perception of what is art? Warhol included moving video in his art exhibitions and rightly so. Is film not an expressive art form?

Contemporary art also includes new technologies that are being developed and refined more and more every year. Photography on canvas has recently gained great credibility on the art scene, although there are still mixed public opinions about it, just as there are mixed opinions about modern art to this day. Warhol experimented with silk screen paintings. Had he been alive today no doubt he would have helped to initiate the movement toward photography on canvas.

Some of the concerns about photography on canvas are how long it takes to complete the procedure, the quality of the artwork, the durability and whether or not it truly is a tasteful piece of art. The answers are very reassuring. It takes a matter of days to produce the gorgeous canvases and the quality is incredibly remarkable. Not only is the artwork tasteful it is a spectacular tribute to color, design and technology that belongs in every art collectors’ home or business. Detailing and aesthetic appeal are superb and rival the talents of an artist who sketches or paints by hand.

Hugh Parker
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/photography-on-canvas-the-foundation-a-brief-history-of-art-548460.html

ALEX PEREZ
Contemporary Realistic paintings

“SEASCAPES” paintings exhibition,
these paintings are for sale in my Website and Blog:

Website: http://www.a-perez.com/
Blog:http://perezart.blogspot.com/

To see this Video in High Quality or resolution, just start the Video and after that click on the black color button (HQ) in the lower right side bar of the YouTube screen, after you press the button the color change to red HQ

I thank and give the credits to Enya and her wonderful music that gives us so much happiness and I think it’s the best background music for my paintings.

Alex Perez Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved.

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Jewelry has always been essential to people who loves to accessorize. One special piece can make such a difference in the presentation of same outfit. There are so many different variations and handmade jewelry stands out because of its uniqueness. Beaded, carved, filigreed, engraved, sequined, knitted, and painted, various techniques for handicraft arts have been continually developed in all cultures throughout time, which certainly expand the variety of handmade jewelry.

Handmade jewelry makers utilize many types of metals and gemstones in their work, such as brass, copper, silver, gold; and crystal, quartz, turquoise, coral and amethyst. Many contemporary jewelry artists make use of even more diverse materials such as glass beads, fabric, acrylic as well as organic /natural material such as wood, leather, shell, hemp, raffia grass, animal horns, bones and even teeth. In fact jewelry made of these materials gains more and more in popularity.

Compare to mass-produced jewelry, handmade jewelry involves much more with culture, humanity and history. Most handmade jewelry has a certain ethnic flair. Or I should say, most culture has their own unique handmade tribal jewelry. Miao, for instance, an ethnic group at South West China, is well-known for their amazing women’s 20+ kg silver costume jewelry set as well as their extraordinary craftsmanship on silver jewelry making. Although Miao silver (a combination of nickel and copper) is utilized as a more affordable alternative nowadays, the popularity of Miao handmade hairsticks and accessories is still increasing because of their varied and creative designs. Tibetan handmade jewelry, on the other hand, featured bold styles and dramatic colors. The styles are versatile enough for you to find “go anywhere” pieces to wear with anything from jeans to evening dress. Thanks to the convenience of internet, I have collected native American cuffs, African leather necklace, Tibetan style beaded turquoise and coral bracelets, Miao hair jewelry sets, Indian Kundan necklace and earrings, and oriental carved lacquer and Cloisonné hairsticks, with some simple clicks of mouse. My biggest surprise was a piece of one-of-an-kind refractory porcelain hair stick. The exquisitely handmade flowers look so real and almost too pretty to wear.

Finding a gift for loved ones or special events such as bridal shower is never easy. If you want to make an unforgettable present, you might want to consider handmade jewelry. My friend Maggie, a pretty and smart girl, bought dozens of Tibetan silver cuffs studded with gemstones for her bridal shower. “How many times will a woman want to wear identical stuff as somebody else’s?” She said. How true! Her gift turned out to be a “bomb” on that day!

Price is always the concern. The price for handmade jewelry varies in a large range depending on the material, craftsmanship and sometimes brands. The most important thing to remember when shopping for handmade jewelry is that you are looking for uniqueness. It does not have to expensive or made of precious material. It is the style that catches you and others eyes. Also, while the internet made it easy for us to shop at home, it also provides means for us to compare styles and prices, as well as searching for best deals such as free shipping, on-sale and coupons.

Whether you are looking for something to accent a dress for the special occasion or unusual gifts for the loved one, try handmade jewelry and make the memory timeless.

Cleopatra Mace
http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/the-timeless-handmade-jewelry-124908.html

http://www.imamuseum.org/
Indianapolis Museum of Art - IMA

Squares-Folds-Life: Contemporary Origami by Robert J. Lang
February 17-July 20, 2008

Star Studio will feature works by Robert J. Lang, a former physicist and engineer turned artist, whose innovative approach to the traditional art of Origami has earned him a reputation as one of the world’s most important Origami artists. The exhibition in Star Studio will include examples of Lang’s complex and realistic work, including monumental paper sculptures created at the IMA for the exhibition. The exhibition will also give visitors the opportunity to learn to make their own folded paper creations, which will be incorporated into a unique visitor-generated installation.

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The process of oil painting differs from painter to painter, often but it includes certain customary steps. First, the artist prepares the surface. Although surfaces like linoleum, pressed wood, wooden panel, and cardboard have been used, the most popular surface and often used is canvas. While many painters have used panels for paintings (for instance Da Vince’s Mona Lisa) these can be susceptible for cracking and it is fairly small. Stretched canvas has no such problem.

Conventional artist’s canvas is made up of linen, but anyhow less expensive cotton fabric then gained popularity. First the artist prepares a wooden frame called a “stretcher” then the canvas is pulled across the wooden framed and stapled toughly to the back edge. The next step is to apply a ground to isolate the canvas from the acidic qualities of the paint. The canvas is normally coated with rabbit skin glue and prepared with subsequent layers of finely ground chalk.

Later the process was altered to sizing of rabbit skin glue with following layers of white priming. The artist may apply many required layers of gesso, sanding every smooth after it dries up. It is possible to tone the gesso to a particular color, but normally store-bought gesso is white. The gesso layer would tend to draw the oil painting into the porous surface, depending up on the thickness of the gesso layer.

Next the artist may sketch an outline of their subject before applying pigment to the surface. Pigment is normally mixed with oil, usually linseed oil but other oils might be used as well. The various oils dry differently, which create assorted effects. Handling and mixing the raw pigments and mediums was excessive to transportation.

The painter most often uses a brush to apply the paint. Brushes are normally prepared from different fibers to make different effects. Sizes of brushes even create different effects. “Bright” brushes are used to apply broad swaths of color. The artist may also use paint with palette knife that is flat, metal blade. A palette knife might be used to remove paint from the canvas when necessary. Painter may also use unusual tools, such as rags, sponges and cotton swabs. Some artists even paint with their fingers.

Most artists paint in layers, a method first introduced in the Egg tempera painting technique, and then adapted in Northern Europe for use with linseed oil paints. After this layer dries the artist would apply “glazes” to the painting, using a process of “Fat over Lean” that means more oil paint ratio than the previous layer. This method is known as “Alla Prima.” When the image is finished and dried, an artist will normally seal the work with a layer of varnish usually made from Damar gum crystals dissolved in turpentine. Contemporary artists increasingly defy varnishing their work, desire that the surfaces remain varnish-free indefinitely.

Task Lighting: It refers to the higher level of light offered specially at work areas such as kitchen islands, countertops and desks. Additional light could be redirected to these areas using recessed or pendant fixtures. Fixtures with either low or line-voltage halogen offer a whiter, warmer light. 5 watt xenon or halogen lamps spaced 6 inches apart are most suitable for task lighting purposes where the fixture is within 24 inches of the work surface. The transformer is as well included in many low voltage fixtures but it is sometimes separated depending on the particular fixture and style.

Accent Lighting: Accent lighting is approximately four times the level of ambient light in any area. Same again, Halogen lighting type fixtures offer a whiter, brighter look than standard incandescent or florescent type of fixtures. The chosen fixture needs to be directional on swivel type fixture to aim the light exactly where it is required. For further museum-type effect, some fixtures could include a focusing lens for pinpoint accuracy.

Wall Washing: It is again a type of Accent Lighting, which creates an area of uniform illumination, which might desirable for a series of photos or further artwork. Wall washing typically reduces the texture of wall surface. Often the reflected light could even create ambient light in the remainder of the room that appears pleasing and restful.

Wall Grazing: It is just opposite to Wall Washing, it creates a dramatic highlight and shadow effect on surfaces such as draperies, stone or brick. Ceiling light fixtures for Wall Grazing are placed near to wall in order to highlight the three-dimensional effect.

Lighting that is perceptively measured and organized could make a real difference and will bring an improvement that lasts for years together. Many home improvements Stores also have sample displays of different lighting systems and fixtures. As today there are huge variety of appliances and electronics, lighting fixtures available, be sure you purchase from reputable company. There are numerous online retailers, which offer name brand fixtures delivered to your door at very competitive prices.

vijay
http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/process-of-oil-painting-88682.html