„Visual arts“ is the definition of all forms of arts which are created visually, meaning you can see. A work of visual arts is an object in space which stands for itself. Examples for works of visual arts are paintings or sculptures.
The first art forms were religously motivated.
In modern times art doesn't have to be a purpose, it stands for itself.

Reflect upon the following

Which works of visual arts do you know? ……………………………………………………………………………………......….…………… Which possibilities do you have to see visual arts? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Visual Arts – Topic 1

 

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Visual Arts – Topic 2
Modern art

There is still a lot of discussion about modern art. What is art? Is art related with abilities or ideas?
Just a reminder: Art is the outcome of deliberate human activities which are not determined by a function (usability).
Art doesn't have to be liked. It may cause irritation, it may provoke, it may question everything.
We would like to invite you to a stroll through modern art.

 

	Artist: Damien Hirst (* 1965, England) Sculpture: For the love of God Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damien_Hirst
	Artist: Waltraud Cooper (* 1937, Austria) Sculpture: Rainbow object
	Artist: Asta Groeting (* 1961, Germany) Sculpture: Jein
	Artist: Hermann Nitsch (* 1938, Austria) Painting: small splatter painting Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann_Nitsch
	Artist: Yue Minjun (* 1962, China) Painting: Trust the smiling Chinaman Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yue_Minjun

 

Visual Arts – Topic 3
The most expensive paintings in the world

 

	Painting: Dora Mar Artist: Pablo Picasso Price: 95,2 Mio Dollar
	Painting: Boy with pipe Artist: Pablo Picasso Price: 104 Mio Dollar
	Painting: Adele Bloch-Bauer Artist: Gustav Klimt Price: 135 Mio Dollar
	Painting: Woman III Artist: Willem de Kooning Price: 137,5 Mio Dollar
	Painting: Nr. 5, 1948 Artist: Jackson Pollok Price: 140 Mio Dollar

Music is just noticeable sound according to the newest definitions. The tastes in music and the approaches to music are as diverse as people themselves are.
Listing to music is something we learn. We like what we are accustomed to.
Chinese music is therefore very hard to understand for most Europeans, whereas we find classical music very harmonic. Probably many Chinese people would see it the other way round.

 

Reflect upon the following

What is your favourite type of music? …………………………………………………………………………………….... Which forms of music do you know? ………………………………………………………………………………………

Music – Topic 1

 

Example 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kcOpyM9cBg&feature=related

Example 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3DYA1uhR8g&feature=related

Example 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HMQOX3h7ZI&feature=related

Example 4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb_jQBgzU-I

 

Music – Topic 2
Pop music

 

 

 

 

Music – Topic 3
Music in films, on TV and in commercials –
well known melodies

 

Reflect upon the following

Music is very often composed for films or commerical use. Which melody do you remember if you think of a certain film? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… Are there any pieces of music you connect with commercials? …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Example 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP7gETHVZic

Example 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYktT4VrxR0

 

 

Example 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14d_q1f542w
Example 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI94uYkvrYU
Example 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCwA8XyqmbI&feature=PlayList&p=D40E409BDE97D748&index=0

 

Literature is the art of writtenworks. Literally translated, the word means "acquaintance with letters" (from Latin littera letter), and therefore the academic study of literature is known as Letters (as in the phrase "Arts and Letters"). In Western culture the most basic written literary types include fiction and nonfiction.

Reflect upon the following

Which book did you last read? How did you like it? ……………………………………………………………………………………......….…… Which forms of literature do you know?……………………………………………………

Literature – Topic 1

 

 

 

 

 Film encompasses individual motion pictures, the field of film as an art form, and the motion picture industry. Films (also referred to as movies or motion pictures) are produced by recording images from the world with cameras, or by creating images using  techniqanimationues or visual effects. Films are cultural artifacts created by specific cultures, which reflect those cultures, and, in turn, affect them.
Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film

Reflect upon the following

How often do you watch films? ………………………………………………………………………………… Which genres do you know? …………………………………………………

Film – Topic 1

	Sound of Music Austrian culture in the 1930s. It is one of the most successful films of all times. It is a symbol for European culture – especially in Japan, China and America. Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sound_of_Music_(film) Have a look inside: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZDjo4q9TJM
	The TRUMAN Show is a satire on media society. The protagonist lives in an artificially constructed world without knowing it. His live is broadcasted 24/7. Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truman_Show Have a look inside: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyQcBuIyphM
	The Name of the Rose based on the book of the same name by Umberto Eco. The Franciscan friar William of Baskerville and his apprentice Adso of Melk are called upon to solve a deadly mystery in a Medieval abbey. Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Name_of_the_Rose_(film) Have a look inside: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gCa-szkztA
	Harry Potter Fantasy stories witten by Joanne K. Rowling, which attracted masses both as novels and as films. The culture it shows is fictional. Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter_(film_series) Have a look inside: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWc5Bcl0KMA

 

Film – Topic 2

 

 

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Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures. Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and constructing space that reflects functional, social, and aesthetic considerations. Architectural works are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements.
Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture

Reflect upon the following

Where do you find architecture in your everyday life? ……………………………………………………………………… Have you seen any outstanding pieces of architecture lately? ………………………………………………………………...........

Architecture – Topic 1

	St. Stephan’s Cathedral, Vienna
	Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
	Colosseum, Rome

           

Architecture – Topic 2

Eiffel tower	Leaning tower	London Tower
Brandenburg Gate	Kreml	Charles' Bridge
Akropolis

 

Architecture – Topic 3

Do you know these architects?

Antonio Gaudi
Architect in Barcelona, famous for his phantastic designs (1852 – 1926).
Buildings (examples)

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Park Guell, Barcelona

More information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaudi

Daniel Libeskind
US american architect of Polish origin, famous for his museums, born 1946

Buildings (examples):

Jewish Museum Berlin

Imperial War Museum Manchester

More information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libeskind

 

Answers to the questions and exercises of Didactic Unit 2

Exercise 1

Picture 1: Madonna with Carnation (Leonardo da Vinci). Art with a religious motif
Picture 2. Classical concert. Reproduction in the cultural industry. The music itself is art.
Picture 3. Abstract painting (Ricardo Ponce). Art doesn't have to show nature.

Exercise 2

Picture 1: Design is a craft with the purpose of usability
Picture 2. Modern art usually concentrates on an idea or the expression of a vision. It doesn't have to be ambitious, only new. It lies on the beholder to define if it is art.
Picture 3. Tradition is not an art. It is not new.

Exercise 3

 

	Artist: Michelangelo (1475 – 1564, Italy) Statue of David (Galleria dell' Accadmia, Florence, Italy) Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo
	Artist: Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519, Italy) Painting: Mona Lisa (Louvre, Paris, France) Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_da_Vinci
	Artist: Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890, Netherlands) Painting: Self portrait (Art Institute of Chicago, USA) Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_van_Gogh
	Artist: Gustav Klimt (1862 – 1918, Austria) Painting: Adele Bloch-Bauer (New Gallery Manhattan, New York, USA), currently the second most expensive painting in the world Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustav_klimt
	Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973, Spain) Painting: Girl with a Ship (Galerie Rosengart, Luzern, Switzerland) Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picasso
	Artist: Wassily Kandinsky (1866 – 1944, Russia) Bild: Compostion VIII Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wassily_Kandinsky

Exercise 4

Example 1:
The compser is Ludwig van Beethoven (Germony, 1770-1827). This melody is part of the 9th sinfonia’s last movement. It’s called “Ode to joy“ and is the Anthem of Europe.
Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthem_of_Europe

Example 2:
The compser is Guiseppe Verdi (Italy 1813-1901). The “marcha triumphal” is from the opera „Aida“ and belongs to the best known and most often played pieces of classicel music.
It is set in Egypt at the times of pharaos and is a tragedy dealing with love and loyality. Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aida

Example 3:
The compser is Carl Orff (Germany 1895-1982). “Carmina Burana” is one of the best known pieces of classical music. The choir is so popular that it is widely used in advertising.
Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmina_Burana_(Orff)

Example 4:
The compser is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Austria 1756-1791). „Eine kleine Nachtmusik“ is one of the many famous works of this genius. His music is still very popular worldwide.
Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eine_kleine_Nachtmusik

Exercise 5

Winner: „Candle in the Wind“ – Elton John
Sold 37 million times
You can listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Efz3s7QiM8

Second Place: „White Christmas“ – Bing Crosby
Sold 30 million times
Please listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vPfOjAw5Z0

In 2009 Lady Gaga sold „Poker Face“ 7 million times. Still a way to go though…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht8ZjuFzlUc

Exercise 6

Michael Jackson with “Thriller” - over 100 million records sold.
Michael Jackson was one of the most successful artists commercially. He shaped the pop music scene In the 1980s and 1990s more than anyone else.
Here a song to remember him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXhy7ZsiR50

In Europe, Abba were tremendously successful. An alltime favourite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFrGuyw1V8s

In the 1970s and 1980s Pink Floyd were one of the best known pop groups in the world.
We believe you know this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_bvT-DGcWw

In their times (1950s and 1960s) the Beatles were the biggest stars in the music industry. They are still very successful with their Best – OF –CDs. Something to listen to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXh4EuJa2TU&feature=fvw

During the same period Elvis Presley was very successful and had a big influence on the development of pop music.
Rock and Roll: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UcY_KsvHho&feature=related

Exercise 7

Example 1:
Soundtrack of „Titanic“: Celine Dion, „My Heart Will Go On“
Example 2:
Soundtrack of „Dirty Dancing“:Bill Medley und Jennifer Warnes, „The Time Of My Life“

Exercise 8

Example 1:
IKEA commercial: song „Home“ composers: Friedrich & Pobot
Example 2:
Kate Yanai’s song „Summer Dreaming“ turns into Bacardi Feeling
Example 3:
Very original ist this approach using real car parts (Ode to a Ford composed by Craig Richey)

Exercise 9.1

The Holy Bible
1400 BC to 100 AC, about 40 authors
It consists of the Old and the New Testament. It ist he foundation of several world religions (Christianity, Judaism, partly Islam). The bible is the widest spread and most often published written piece of work in the world.
Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible

Das Kapital (Capital)
Karl Marx, politcal economy, foundation for socialism and communism
Marx criticised captialism and its exploitation mechanisms and designed a socialist society. His ideal was later destroyed through communist crimes and aberrations. But there is still an ongoing debate about the responsibilites of economy and capital.
Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Das_Kapital

Mein Kampf (My Struggle)
Adolf Hitler, national socialist
Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mein_kampf
Adolf Hitler, Fuhrer of the German Third Reich, was responsible for the killing of more than 6 million Jews. He started the Second World War which killed about 50 million people.

On the Origin of Species
Charles Darwin, founder of evolutionary biology
Charles Darwin is still one of the most important scientists in the world. His theories on the origin of mankind are still widely and controversially discussed, especially his idea on the survival of the fittest.
Further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Origin_of_Species

The Interpretation of Dreams
Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis
Freud is one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century; his theories and methods are still widely discussed. His research focused on the human pyche
Further information: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigmund_Freud

Exercise 9.2

„Spider Man“ 258 Mio. US Dollar
Followed by „Pirates of the Carribean 2“- 225 Mio. Dollar.
„Titanic“ comes 7th with 200 Mio. Dollar.

Exercise 9.3

1. „Titanic“1845 Mio US Dollar turnover
2. „The Lord of the Rings“1119 Mio Dollar
3. „Pirates of the Carribean 2 1066 Mio Dollar.

Exercise 10

It’s „Titanic“ again: 11 Oscars und 14 nominations.
Followed by „Ben Hur“ 11 Oscars und 12 nominations and
„The Lord of the Rings III“11 Oscars und 11 nominations
On 7th place the first film which was produced in Europe: „The Last Emporer“ by Bernardo Bertolucci got 9 Oscars und 9 nominations

Exercise 11

Here are a few....
The slapstick films by Charlie Chaplin are very famous. They were produced in the 1930s and were mostly silent films. Have a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoKbDNY0Zwg

In the 1950s cinema was in bloom and many films were produced. One example of this time is Singing in the Rain with Cary Grant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8zaxTZ4OFg&feature=PlayList&p=694F235C26ECF1EC&index=0&playnext=1

In the 1980s and 1990s there was the time for the „blockbuster“. These films had very high production costs, revenues and viewers.

One example:
Stephen Spielberg’s: Jurrassic Park
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehn9wjxgfPM

The newest development is 3D cinema. The film  „Avatar“ sets standards. Real live and computer animated scenes are mixed together to create a fanasy world. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0GnS1yNZd4

Further information with a list of best films of all times:
http://www.vipwebguide.de/Charts_Bestenlisten/Film_TV_DVDs_Kino/VIP_Die_besten_Filme_aller_Zeiten.html

Exercise 12

 

	St. Stephan’s Cathedral, Vienna Christian Culture, Religion
	Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Former church, former mosque, now museum
	Colosseum, Rome former place for playing cruel games, now tourist attraction

Exercise 13

Eiffel tower: Paris
Leaning tower: Pisa
Brandenburg Gate: Berlin
Tower: London
Kreml: Moskau
Charles Bridge Prag
Akropolis: Athen