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Monday, November 7, 2011

Chicago Street Art!

Chicago street art!

Chicago is a city decorated with art wherever you go. This may be visual, performing, or literary art; what ever may be it all shapes the culture of Chicago. But many artists are not looking to shape a culture nor are they looking for their ten seconds of fame. These artists would rather have their art seen by the public and make a statement. These artists are called street artists!

Street art by definition means, “Street art is any art developed in public spaces”; but can mean so much more in the eyes of the beholder. Many street artists express anger toward government and corruption in their art. Though it may be illegal street art is a way for the common person to express their thoughts anonymously.

One world famous street artist has done just that; His name is Banksy. His art holds a very strong message. Banksy’s art shows his anger and rage towards the U.K government. Many of his works undermine people with power and put the “ordinary” at the top.

Here are some of his works:





There are street artists right in our backyards. Chicago is home to many street artists. Much of their work can be found at the walls of grace by 38th and Kedzie. One in particular has many pieces here; Her name is Lucy. I do not know much about this person, but from her art I can tell a lot about her personality. She is a happy person with a mysterious side. Another artist who goes by the name “werm” makes very bold statements in many of his works. He is famous all through out Chicago land and many other cities.

Here are some of his pieces:







Many street artists start off young. One of my close friends is very much into street art. His name is Juice/Dunce. His art expresses a part of him like all others. His characters are complex yet simple.

His character is an upside down face:





In conclusion, Street art is art that expresses ones feelings about a subject. Many people view it as vandalism and destruction but that’s just because they do not see past that. Street art is all about hidden messages. It’s our job to figure them out!

What can the pictures I showed have to do with the culture of chicago?

What character or image can you use to describe yourself?

Do you think street art / graffiti is essential to society/ Why or why not?

Sunday, November 6, 2011

More Than Just a Picture...

What is a Comic?

A "comic" is a series of pictures used to tell a story. Sometimes, they may be paired with words, to create dialog or explain something. 

Even though the comic book picture emphasizes the words and dialogues of the characters, it’s the relationship between the words and the pictures that says so much more (McCloud). Some writers tend to use slang to relate to the everyday individual. Comic Books are a form of narrative fiction and so they have a plot, characters, setting, dialogue, and symbolism.

Comics where introduced in different times all over the world. But the founder of comics were the Japanese picture books which told folk tales and legends. This is more commonly known today as Manga, but with a new twist.
There are many different genres, such as action, romance, comedy, drama, and so on. But the most popular throughout the U.S. by far would have to be Superheros. Featuring characters such as Spider-Man, Superman, Batman, X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Green Lantern, Captain America, Flash, etc.


Creating Comic Books: Materials Needed for Creating a Comic

Along with the Materials you need a Storyboard/Layout.
-75% of art comes from thought and preparation which is where you find yourself actually planning out what you will be drawing, which is where an outline comes in play.


 Discussion Questions:
1) What was the purpose of comics and has it evolved throughout the years?
2) What is the purpose of a fully illustrated story?
3) How are comics a part of the visual arts?


-JEREMIAH Thank You 8D



Saturday, November 5, 2011

Individuality means BARBIE

This is my younger sister's "Barbie" chain and hair extension! She is in love with Nicki Minaj which led her to beg my mother to buy her this necklace and hair piece. I think she secretly wants to be Nicki Minaj :) When she wears both accessories she turns into such a diva. Amazingly she doesn't feel like a clown when she wears so many colors at one time. I think the point is to express individuality when she wears this but how do you feel so individual when you're one of the many people wearing red hair and a "Barbie" chain? I wonder if Nicki Minaj called Barbies fake would girls still wear this same chain? What will she promote next?
-Marquita <3