'Viral Fashion'

The Fashion industry is notorious for outlandish outwear and garments that are anything but practical. With the modern age the Fashion designers have begun to use their "muses" for economic victory. The picture to the right is of a fashion model strutting down the runway in Karl Lagerfield's newest design, the half shade rounded glasses. The picture set adjacent to the model, is the reality tv star known as Nicole Richie. Richie has become somewhat of a fashion icon within recent times, and casually fashions Chanel's newest eyewear. These ordinarily strange and impractical sunglasses would never sell to the average woman. Design is a great form of expression, but without relatability the design fails in society. By assigning bizarre designs such as these glasses to recognizable faces such as Richie, the design industry achieves a form of "Viral Marketing." In other words, various social networks connect interested parties rapidly and the product is spread to the vast population. In the fashion world, this process may be coined "Viral Fashion." Through creative marketing and selective choice of representation, the atypical designs of the most creative minds in Fashion reaches the mass public.

What does this process say about us as the consumer? Is it a fallacy that we fall into their clever marketing schemes? Does the average person glorify the wardrobes of starlets and those captured by the media's eye? The common person is fearful of the eccentric, whether it is in design or everyday life. Human nature naturally strives for assimilation, yet this process of viral marketing affects our perception of the ordinary.

photograph

"Google Image Result for http://sunglassblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/17.jpg." Google Images. Web. 29 Oct. 2009. .

The Urbild

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German philosopher, scientist, and great literary influence upon Western literature. This natural philosopher once said," Nature has certain forms that are urbild or ideal types, archetypes." In the image to the left, the innate texture of the tree bark is so delicate and detailed an artist could only hope to mimic its beauty. The red flower bursting through the center of the photograph serves as a focal point, creating great visual interest. The flower itself has symmetrical shape, for the flower is a mirror image of itself in composition. Goethe realized that nature is an archetype for artists work, it is the primordial masterpiece of mother nature.
In this second image we notice a man made sculpture placed in natural setting. The sculpture is peculiar not only in form, but also in positioning. The face of the man smiling gives the sculpture a sense of relatebility. However, the unusual coloring, and odd shaping of the structure gives the artwork an "egg - like" resemblance.

Thus this artist must have drawn inspiration from one of the most urbild forms of nature, the egg. The artist of the collection of egghead sculptures scattered around the UC Davis campus is Robert Arneson, who believed in the duality of " artist vs. academy, passivity vs. aggression, the bookworm vs. the dreamer, the yin and the yang of the institution and of life." (Teri Bachman, M.A. '82).

The final photograph is taken near the center of UC Davis Campus and is titled, " Bum, Bum, Youve Been Here Before." (1967 Tio Giambruni) The sculpture is undoubtedly visually interesting, the composition of the design is intricated and chaotic. The curving lines of the metallic sculpture create continuation, thus giving the piece a sense of cohesion. Despite all these factors, the design lacks similarity to any form of nature, and the urbild archetype as Goethe said. Due to the overally modern design and materials, the viewer percieves an industrial / manufacturing mechanism. Art is the greatest form of inner expression, and although it is not necessary, many succesfful works of art have built their structure and composition of the most natural occuring beauty of our world, nature.

photographs by Annie Boylan

My Mama Is Dead

"My Mama is Dead," 2007 by Avis Collins Robinson hangs in the Nelson Art Gallery, Art Bldg. UC Davis.

"This quilt was created after the death of Annie Ruth Collins who was a cancer researcher who worked alongside Nobel Prize nominee at the National Institute of Health."

A quilt by nature bears resemblance to a basic principle of design, the grid. Naturally the rectangle frame of the quilt is representative of the basic black and white checkerboard image, it is intriguing how the color composition of this quilt is also associated with the colors black and white. The splash of red fabric creates a focal point, a center of focus that the viewer is drawn to. The color red is associated with pain, death, and suffering. All aspects are highly appropriate due to this piece being a memoir for Annie Collins.

In the quilt we may notice some consistency and repetition in shape, and continuation in lined up edges. Due to the irregularity of the pattern, and positioning of the shapes the design is anything but boring. Change in variation of design creates visual interest. This concept is known as unity with variety. The shapes in the above quilt may repeat in various locations within the design, yet there is variety in size and position.

Rhythm within the quilt is achieved through the contrast of light and dark shapes that make up the figure and ground. The ground is white, while the dark and harsh colors (black and red) of the figure create conflict with the simplicity of the background. Many of the triangular shapes and slanted lines of the design are strikingly primitive and archaic in form.

photo by Annie Boylan

Gestalt Theories

The german psychologist Gestalt, is known for the perceptual studies of how the eye and brain conceive, the theory of visual psychology. His theories all center around the brains visual process of analysis, and the multiple methods in which we organize information.

According to Design Basics by David Lauer, unity is the presentation of an integrated image. In other words, a congruity or agreement exists among elements in design, there is a harmonious collaboration. According to Gestalt, there are multiple forms of organization the human mind seeks towards simplicity. For example, by grouping objects close in proximity together, it enables our mind to remember and identify the multiple images within the image. Our brain in addition tends to relate/group objects of similarity together. Thirdly, our brain adapts to missing pieces of information by closing the gaps between patterns to see the larger picture. This process is known as closure. In another form of organization, something repeats in various parts of the design to relate parts to each other, known as repetition. Continuation usually involves a line, an edge, or direction from one form to another. All of these mentioned forms of composition create unity in design.

A key concept of Gestalt theory is that variety adds visual interest, this interest or focal point may be achieved through position. If unity is achieved without variety, then overbearing monotony can lead to evocation of ill feelings towards the design, imitating assembly lines and institutions. This leads us to Lauer's theory of chaos and control, "without some aspect of unity, an image or design becomes chaotic and unreadable." Thus design without any aspects of unity is visually unappealing, and reveals a sloppy unorganized design.

Gestalt claimed that perception was a subjective and multi sensory process. Ultimately perception is the "the spontaneous drive towards simplicity." The minds constant struggle to separate unity from chaos.

Kampis, George. "Active Perception." JAIST: Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Web. 27 Oct. 2009. .

Lauer, David A., and Stephen Pentak. Design Basics (with ArtExperience Online Printed Access Card). Belmont: Wadsworth, 2007. Print.

Permanent Art

Art is irrefutably an expression of emotion and passion. But in modern times art has become so diverse and in many cases controversial. Body art, more specifically permanent tattoos have become increasingly popular amongst the young generation. This artwork is usually crafted with the utmost attention to detail, shading, and contrast. Yet despite tattoos rise in popularity, the older generations continue to look upon the artwork with disgust and disrespect. A person's dedication to a piece of art or design must be significant in order for them to dedicate part of their body to the artist's work. The human body has become a new modern canvas for the tattoo artist's designs.

What is it about this generation that readily supports this permanent art form? Is it their existentialist lifestyles that advocate moment to moment decisions ? Or perhaps it is the medias overwhelming coverage of artists and musicians whose skin is marked by ink. Such performers are often idealized by young fans, wishing to mimic their style. One of the most prominent brands over the past several years, Ed Hardy, focuses their line around tattoo designs printed upon the garments they distribute. In addition, popular network stations have been promoting shows such as Miami Ink and LA Ink, which are basically reality shows centered around the lives and work of prominent tattoo artists. Such television programs bring greater knowledge of the art to persons normally uninformed.

Tattoo Art is a direct representation of society and the moods of the people. Tattoos are personalized pieces of artwork often symbolizing and object or person of significance. Death is often honored through tattoos, as well as personal achievements and struggles. Society's youth may be moving towards an edgier image, involving tattoos and piercings. The work of tattoo artists in affiliation with their supporters will lead to a revolutionary new style in society.

Digital image. All Things Tattoos. Web. Oct. 13. .

The Root of Inspiration

British artist Andy Goldsworthy first began his unique and rather unusual trade at age thirteen. Growing up in rural England, Goldsworthy was fascinated by the raw beauty of nature. He relies on this outside force as his greatest inspiration. Similar to McCloud, both artists believe in the power of physical creation, using your hands to mold or sketch the artwork.

Goldsworthy relies on "found" objects to create his artwork. His art is a direct representation of the environment he chooses to work with. Due to his will to keep the piece composed entirely of natural products, Goldsworthy cannot utilize modern inventions to hold the art together such a nails, tape, or glue. Due to this factor, his work is often in a transient state. He comments, "Each work grows, stays , decays - integral parts of a cycle which the photograph shows at its heights, marking the moment when the work is most alive." His fascination with nature and the cycle of life is highlighted in the above statement.

Goldsworthy is drawn to the images of circles, noted in numerous pieces of his artwork. In addition, the "S" Curve is frequently seen winding through his designs.

Journalists, Songwriters , Designers, Sculptors, Painters most often find inspiration from within. Traumatic life experiences, depression, life and death, as well as epiphanies are some of the infinite reasons for artists to feel inspired. These factors often are associated with mental emotions, centered around the artist and their life. Andy Goldsworthy is unique to center all of his artwork on objects so distant from his personal life. Perhaps it is his environmentalist nature, however he is an artist undoubtedly fueled by the exterior inspiration of mother nature.

"The Environmental Art of Andy Goldsworthy & laquo;." Red Star Cafe Art and Java for the Masses. 29 Feb. 2008. Web. 13 Oct. 2009. .

Change of Weather

FASHION BLUES

How does the value of design in society change as the air begins to cool and gloomy clouds hang low in the grey sky? How greatly is society's wardrobe affected by the changing season? Surrounding the UC Davis campus are numerous students plagued by the absence of the summer sun. Normally conscious dressers have become careless with their daily wardrobe. Uggs, sweatpants, sweat shirts, scarves, mismatched and oversized garments hang from the student's bodies. The overall lack of shape in design transforms an ordinarily intellectual student into a sloppy dressed bicycle rider.

What is it about the change in whether that allows people of all backgrounds and ages to have a total disregard for design ? Pajamas become acceptable outerwear, as hair is equivalently as distorted, and overall appearance is anything but professional. Color scheme and patterns become obsolete, as oversized layered clothing become ubiquitous. Perhaps the students want to assume anonymity through the popular trend of the college sweatshirt paired with old jeans. Perhaps their strategy is to avoid attention and achieve assimilation among peers. However this pattern of dressing is most frequent and visually painful during the coldest months of the year. Is it safe to assume the cold weather affects ones energy and will to impress in the morning ? For whatever reason the average person simply refuses to apply concepts of higher fashion as a means of healing the pain of the cold.

Elle Magazine, Vogue, Harpers Baazar, and Nylon would all agree that winter clothing can be just as individual and sophisticated as any other essential piece of your wardrobe. For example, wool jackets, pea coats, leather jackets, finely made gloves, tall riding boots, tights, leggings, cardigans, blazers, knit dress pants, wool suits,as well as vests may all be worn to embellish the winter wardrobe. Design must not be sacrificed for comfort, may the common man continue of his/her quest to dress to impress despite the bitter cold ahead.

Nelson Art Gallery

The images to the left is of a collection of pieces found in the Nelson Art Gallery. There are six pieces placed side by side to create a visually intriguing focal point. The image in the top left hand corner is done by artist Robert Mapplethorpe of the 1975 cover of Patti Smith's album. The next piece of artwork in the upper center column is by Robert Rauschenberg, titled Speaking in Tongues, done in 1983 of Talking Heads album cover. The image of the jeans with the zipper in the right hand corner is by Andy Warhol, and it is off the Rolling Stones album cover. The obvious pattern is that all of the artwork is of influential records of the time. Art and design is always dedicated to beauty or the people's perception of beauty, and this must of course include music. The word aesthetics meaning appealing to all of the senses, thus music encompasses a great division of what we define art.

This image is a close up look at a quilt made by Donnie Chambliss circa late 19th century. The piece is titled Slave's Popcorn Quilt, the dimensions are 90" by 72", the quilt covers the majority of the wall hanging in the tall white walls of the gallery. Yet, as noticed through the photograph on the left, the quilt is incredibly delicate and fragile in appearance. The fabric pieces have been sewn accordingly to mock the appearance of flowers. The "flowers" come in every color imaginable, and each piece varies in fabric from its neighbor. This piece is highly representative of design in society for the artist of this piece was a slave, and constructing the garment served as a form of entertainment at the time. Because the piece came from a time in history where segregation and racism ruled the nation's land, it is an example of how art and design may survive the lengths of times and reveal cultural moods or attitudes.

Hyunju Lee

In general an art or design museum, is compiled of numerous rooms of exhibits. However the particular design museum at the University of California Davis has but one room on display at a time. Currently, the artwork on display is all by Korean artists. The work is part of the modern age of digital artwork, where the artists were aided by computer technology to enhance and produce the prints.

There are fascinating pieces hanging on the walls, yet there is one piece which stands out above the rest. The painting is by the artist Hyunju Lee, composed in 2009 and it is an inkjet print on paper. Lee's artwork displays a white envelope near the bottom of the print, and the flap is opened allowing a variety of strange symbols and icons to escape across the page. The background is entirely white, the only markings covering the page are the black printed icons flying upwards escaping the envelopes shelter. The artists decision to keep the print solely black and white gives the viewer an greater appreciation for space, noticing the intentional areas of blankness. The icons themselves appear somewhat archaic, the markings are seemingly etymological, of another time in the past. The print is paradoxical for it is a modern piece of artwork yet is appears greatly aged, as if the icons came from an era similar to those of hieroglyphics.

An additional print was surprisingly striking among the other prints on display. The piece was also by artist Hyunju Lee, however this piece was incredibly colorful and dynamic possessing a feeling of rhythm. The multi-colorful symbols were displayed across a black background in a circular pattern, somewhat resembling a tribal tapestry. As the unusual shapes continuously circle around each other, they began to nearly bleed off the print in every which direction. The movement resembles flight, or possibly dance, and the it is this style which is reminiscent of Lee's first mentioned print.

Feel The Love

San Francisco is notoriously known for eclectic personalities and ground breaking design. The city itself is widely known for the architecture unique to only the city itself, yet it is the explosive creativity of it citizens which competes with cities such as New York City and Los Angeles.

On October 3, 2009 the city of San Francisco put together a massive gathering of people who enjoy electronic music, the festival was called Love Fest. Although the event was centered around the concept of modern electronic music, the people came dressed in every color of neon spandex, leather studded vests, faux feathers dripping from their eyelashes, pasties covering their breasts, and patent leather boots tall enough to cover their mid thighs. The makeup was out of this realm, hues of magenta, fuscha, teal, gold, forest green, among infinite others. Eyes were jeweled with swarowski crystals, and heavy liner dramatized every look. The hair stood tall above all the females heads, stuffed with feathers among other undistinguished objects, hairspray was the main accessory.

The Fashion on the other hand left little to the imagination. The majority of the attendees wore little to no clothing in tradition of the festival of love. There were several men making political statements by wandering the streets completely nude. While many women were topless or wearing underwear as pants. The clothing was mainly made up of spandex, and American Apparel looks appeared to be the most popular brand on display. The floats were adorned with go - go dancers wearing various wigs and harajuku style makeup for the stage. The dancers greatly added to the experience, for their performances fueled the crowd and brightened the mood.

Overall the festival modeled another world, another realm, a look into a possible future of fashion and socialization. The styles were insane, daring, and scandalous. The music was created by the modern era of computers, and the actions of the people were of another planet. The social movement explored anything but the ordinary, every style was foreign and disconnected. The patterns didn't match, the music lacked a physical voice, and many of the people lacked reason. The gathering reflected a new movement of both society and design, and it all began in San Francisco.