Week 6-Landscape and the Sublime

'Wanderer in the mists' (1818) Caspar David Friedrich

'Untitled #2" (2002) Richard Misrach

 'Untitled # 394-03' (2003) Richard Misrach

Richard Misrach's photography reflects the concept of the Sublime, from the Enlightenment.

Research Misrach's work by reading about his intentions, and also by looking at the work. Then answer the following questions;

1. What and when was the Enlightenment?
2. Define the concept of the Sublime.
3. How did the concept of the Sublime come out of the Enlightenment thought?
4. Discuss the subject matter, and aesthetic (look) of Misrach's work to identify the Sublime in his work. Add some more images of his work.
5. Identify some other artists or designers that work with ideas around the Sublime, from the Enlightenment era as well as contemporary artists.
6. How does Misrach's photography make you feel? Does it appeal to your imagination?
7. Add a Sublime image of your choice to your blog, which can be Art or just a Sublime photograph.

(1)

"The Age of Enlightenment (or simply the Enlightenment) is the era in Western philosophy, intellectual, scientific and cultural life, centered upon the 18th century, in which reason was advocated as the primary source for legitimacy and authority. It is also known as the Age of Reason" (Wiki)

(2)

Sublime is "an aesthetic quality in nature distinct from beauty was first brought into prominence in the 18th century" (Wiki). This was most apparent in landscape artworks that have been finally recognized as artworks by themselves.

(3)

As mentioned above landscape artworks were excellent examples of sublimity at work. This was made possible with artwork being able to break free from the dominance of religions influence over all of society. This is due to mans new way of thought and his ability to question and reason.   

(4)

 All his works consist of landscapes or nature at interesting times, places or lighting. He uses certain techniques and lighting settings to capture an ethereal scenes which radiate the feeling of sublimity and humbleness. For example in 'Untitled #2" (2002) he has captured a lone person on a beautiful beach. The scale of the person gives the sense awe as the small scale gives of the feeling of vulnerability.

Untitled - Richard Misrach

 

 Untitled - Richard Misrach

(5)

"siren 13" - David Parker

David Parker's works also consist of alot of awe inspiring sublimity. He uses similar techniques to Richard Misrach and has the same ethereal outcomes.

(6)

I very much like Richard Misrachs artworks as they have an easy to understand purpose behind them, you don't have to fully understand sublimity to experience it with works from him, you just "get it". Also his photos are all calming and peaceful and pleasing to look at which are all good things.

(7)

 

 Untitled -  Kevin Saint Grey

References:

-Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sublime_(philosophy)

Images:

http://fluxionesque.blogspot.com/2010/03/anthroposcenes-part-8-richard-misrach.html

http://www.edelmangallery.com/misrach5.htm

http://www.bloodyloud.com/landscape-photographer-david-parker/#more-7854 

http://photodonuts.com/kevin-saint-grey