Week 4- The social status of the artist

Self Portrait in Fur Coat (1500)

Albrecht Durer

Knob (1997) Gavin Turk

Damien Hirst and Maia Norman (1995)

Albrecht Durer's 'Self-Portrait in Fur Coat' (1500) shows a significant change in the way that the artist views and portrays himself.Research the paintings by Albrecht Durer, Gavin Turk and Damien Hirst in order to answer

the following questions;

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

A:  This is considered the most personal and complex of his many self-portraits and the one that has become fixed in the popular imagination.(Bailey) And also, the most self-portrait are so closely resembles earlier representations of Christ. This painting was painted just before his 29th birthday on 21 May. In my opinion, it was a gift for him self.

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

A: Because the technical skill is increasing by the artists. The claims of artists to a better social position sometimes simply take the form of showing that in earlier times the art of painting had been held in great respect.(The social position of the Artist, 1962)

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

A: The work of Gavin Turk is a signature of himself, and not only this one, he signed his name every where like he felt he is a famous person. He practise his signature and has cast himself in a series of detailed life sized sculptures as different romantic heroes.

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

A: Photography, pop, maybe photoshop...

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.

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

A: They have high social status, and most people started to appreciate their works.

7. Comment on the blogs of other students.

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

Reference List：

Bailey, 68

Anthony Blunt,(1962), The Social Position of the Artist

http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/durer/self/

http://radicalart.info/ego/statements/index.html

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG7733481/Maia-Norman-Damien-Hirsts-Californian-girl.html