Week 1 - Briefing for new module Collections

Today we got out briefing for a new module, titled 'Collections.'

We have been asked to start thinking about ideas for our own Collections. We had a presentation from our lecturer to get some ideas for a starting point, some ideas that might inspire us. We were shown collections from a numerous amount of different artists such as Joseph Cornell, Bernd and Hilla Becher, Peter Blake, Eduardo Paollozi and Gregory Blackstock.

We were also shown Picasso's African Collection, where during this time he developed an inspiration from African art during this period , it was known as the 'Black Period' that had lasted from 1907-1909. His interest was first sparked by Henri Matisse who had showed him a mask from Africa. After painting Les Demoiselles d'Avigon, Picasso began painting in an influenced style by the two figures on the right side of the paintings, which were based of African Art. This painting is often said to be cubist work, before the Cubist phase Picasso spend several years exploring African Art. During this time the French empire were expanding to Africa, the African artefacts were being brought back to the French museums. The press exaggerated stories about cannibalism and exotic tales about a kingdom (African kingdom of Dahomey.) It was therefore natural for Picasso to look towards African artefacts and use it as inspiration in his work. Later in life, Picasso denied being inspired by African Art, but his art work and Collection says otherwise.

I too am against everything. I too believe that everything is unknown, that everything is an enemy! Everything! - Pablo Picasso

(Our lecturer for this term is an Illustrator called Nicolas Stevenson)

http://www.theartstory.org/artist-cornell-joseph.htm

http://www.pablo-ruiz-picasso.net/period-african.php