I wrote these casual opinions on some of my favorite pieces I learned about in AP art history from 2019-2020. this year, i made goals for myself to revisit my art history education, look at more contemporary art, and to follow and recognize more contemporary artists. I think that revisiting some old opinions of mine is a nice place to start, so this is why im sharing this list today 🙂

The Court of Gayumars, folio from Shah Tahmasp’s Shahnama

This is so beautiful I cannot express how much I love the color scheme and the style. I do not remember learning it but I stumbled upon it recently during an AP review and I fell in love. The details in the plants are so endearing and the whole thing is rendered really well. It just makes me really happy. I want this all over my walls. 

The Goldfish, Henri Matisse

I normally am not interested in still lives but this one always stood out to me because of its super bright and fun colors, especially the orange of the goldfish. I also like the blobby reflection of the fish on the surface of the water. I also liked that the goldfish were used as symbols to “contemplate in tranquility.” I liked it so much that I included goldfish in a small drawing I did; I call it Goldfish Abstraction.

Saturn Devouring His Children, Goya

I love Goya’s artwork, and this is my favorite piece of his. I love how gruesome and uncensored it is. The creature’s wild eyes freak me out. 

Deposition, Rogier Van der Weyden

This painting feels claustrophobic and suffocating, and I always have a fascination with art that makes me uncomfortable. I also like how often the pieta and deposition images reappear in art; I think these specifically are very emotional and heavy, which I can clearly see and feel.

Triumph of the Name Jesus, Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Il Gesú)

I am in love with grandiose trompe l’oeil ceiling paintings, especially this one, because they really feel otherworldly. I love the colors and softness and clouds of this painting. Also the 3D angel statues and bronze work that pop out emphasize the idea of an opening to another dimension, like…. meta as hell.

The Nightmare, Henry Fuseli

Again, a big reason why I like this painting is because it makes me uncomfortable. It kind of scares me, actually. I love works that make me feel a strong way. Also I appreciate how it is kind of a twist on the odalisque because the woman, despite being in danger, is so graciously asleep and sprawled off the bed; with her pale skin, white dress, and look of innocence, she looks like an angel. I also have nightmares and visions before I sleep that freak me out and this reminds me of that, but not in a bad way.

Halfway through this assignment and looking through my notes, I realized that what I’ve been trying to say is that I really appreciate tenebrism. Dark subject, dark manner. Not all of these works fit into this description because it is not the only art I enjoy, but I like what art makes me feel sad, scared, or uncomfortable.

The Large Bathers, Paul Cezanne

I think it is so impressive for a time without digital photos and the internet, Cezanne painted this without live models but rather from reference photos and sketches from books and his own findings. I also love the loose and foggy brushwork of the background and how large the figures are. It reminds me of a mirage of paradise or something.

Silueta series, Ana Mendieta

The ritualistic connection between the femme body and environment is powerful. These works are environmental yet not limited to one place. I also like the bold red powder used. Ahhhh. I don’t know, this just really catches my eye. I love it.

St. Joe Louis surrounded by Snakes, Basquiat

Basquiat is probably one of my favorite artists. I love the drippy paint look and energy of his paintings. I have always really enjoyed looking at graffiti and street art, and although this is not that, it gives me a similar feeling. He also uses words powerfully and intentionally.

Hagia Sophia

I LOVE THE HAGIA SOPHIA SINCE WE LEARNED ABOUT IT I DECIDED THAT ISTANBUL WAS AT THE TOP OF MY TRAVEL BUCKET LIST ITS IS GORGEOUS AND I LOVE THE MOSAICS AND GOLD AND SEMI PRECIOUS STONES BUT MOSTLY I NEED TO SEE HOW THE LIGHTING IS BECAUSE THAT’s LIKE THE WHOLE POINT.

 

The Great Mosque (Masjid-e Jameh)

ALSO ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. THE COLOR AND ALL OF THE LEAFY, GEOMETRIC SHAPES ARE STRIKING.

Honorable Mentions:

Before Punk Came Funk, Wangetchi Mutu

I really like this mixed media piece, especially the bloody looking splatter and the moth flying out of the figure. 

Studio, Pablo Picasso

I love the faces. They call to me. Also this color scheme is dope. It’s like, about to be primary colors, but is not. I don’t know why that is so cool to me

The Apparition, Gustave Moreau

I really like the story of Salome. Even though it was twisted to make her seem like evil sex goddess, I appreciate the Bad Ass-ness of Salome in this painting. Femme Fatale is kinda cool. I know it’s demonizing and a result of the toxic patriarchy but I appreciate how powerful she looks here.

Twittering Machine, Paul Klee