The social status of the artist.

1. Identify aspects of Durer's self portrait that show a changing view of the artist's view of himself as an individual.

Albrecht Dürer was an artist highly conscious of his public image and reputation. A previous painting that he did depicts him wearing a fashionable Italian dress, which reflects success. This was followed by the self-portrait resembling an unmistakable similarity to Jesus Christ. This self-portrait portrays that Durer thinks very highly of himself as he is comparing himself to Jesus Christ who is a very highly looked up to, worshiped and sacred figure, especially in the time when this self-portrait was made.

2. Explain how the artist's social status increased during the Renaissance period. Briefly explain why this happened.

In 1494 Dürer increased social standing as a result of his arranged marriage to the daughter of a wealthy machine and instrument maker. He was able to marry this woman, as he was a very great artist. He was educated, and the only northern artist who took note of the Italian dialogues between scientific theory and art, he was almost a Renaissance in his own right.


3. Comment on Gavin Turk's work in relation to individualism, status of the artist and egotism.

Gavin Turk's work is often doubted, as many people are skeptical about its authenticity and originality. His work creates controversy as he takes everyday items and copies them, his work is so simple yet effective and causes the viewer to think twice about its meaning. Gavin Turk’s work relates to egotism, as it is quiet insensitive for example the turkey foil wrap. He has simply copied what appears to be an everyday item, by using silkscreen on wood to create his own Turkey foil to create a sculptured piece of artwork. His insensitivity to the people is shown as when visitors come to his contemporary art spaces whose bored glances pan the room with an expression of ‘seen that before’ will take a second look.


4. Comment on Damien Hirst's use of his work and the media for self-promotion.

Damien Hirst is one of the greatest self promotors of his own work, he is famous for installations, sculptures and fine art paintings. "Hirst's work is an examination of the processes of life and death: the ironies, falsehoods and desires that we mobilise to negotiate our own alienation and mortality. His production can be roughly grouped into three areas: paintings, cabinet sculptures and the glass tank pieces.’’ Hirst’s work is different and real life, which causes controversy in the media. Because he is so widely talked about he has become a household name.
5. Find 2 images of work by artists or designers that reflects some of the ideas of individualism, self promotion or egotism that have been discussed on this blog. Upload images to your blog, title and date the work, identify the artist/designer and comment on the work in relation to the question.

Alexander Wang's tortoiseshell acetate and gold metal sunglasses with exaggerated angular frames. These sunglasses have a utilitarian look to them, they have a very different aesthetic design to them compared to normal circular sunglasses and would suit any individualist. This style was inspired by an iconic Individualist Andy Warhol. 

EGOTISM™ is the Art of the Individual. We excel in providing creations from the Mind and Soul. Our brand is inspired by LIFE,TRUTH,REALISM,LOVE,NATURE, and INDIVIDUALISM. In these times, the importance of SELF AWARENESS and SELF CONFIDENCE is VERY valuable and having a sense of SELF-WORTH is vital. Though others say can't, EGOTISM™ have always knew within, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. The Cleveland,Ohio based brand was established in 2010 and reflects being TRUE TO ONE'S SELF which inspires us to deliver quality collections with Purpose,Passion, and Optimism. Our Pieces are created to portray an excessive view of individual substance. Yes, it is TRUE, when one wears EGOTISM™, what anybody else is wearing WON'T matter!

http://www.egotismbrand.com/p/introduction-to-egotism.html


6. How do you think artists and designers are viewed in Western society today?

Today, I think artists and designers are portrayed in a very different way compared to the times of the renaissance. Today artists have to keep coming up with new innovative designs to ensure they are not labeled as frauds and copies. Today designers in western society are a lot more creative and have come along way in be individualists.

8. Reference the websites and/or books you have used, at the end of your blog.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-portrait
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:0LbR98_WOskJ:www.skny.com/artists/gavin-turk/+Gavin+Turk's+status&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=nz&client=safari&source=www.google.co.nz
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:YrG4Em-SUzsJ:www.visual-arts-cork.com/famous-artists/damien-hirst.htm+damien+hirst+work+and+self+promotion&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=nz&client=safari&source=www.google.co.nz
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/show/112372