Lesson # 1.

Andres Serrano's controversial Piss Christ goes on view in New York

As controversial as this piece of art may be, it is still a creative output of
Serrano's take on the crucifixion of Christ. Regardless of what the people
think, at the end of the day, art is purely up to the artist's interpretation and
depiction of their work. As a Christian artist, Serrano explains that he is
reflecting the true essence of the crucifixion, where Jesus had defecated and
urinated all over himself on his horrific deathbed. He continues saying, "So if
Piss Christ upsets you, maybe it's a good thing to think about what happened on
the cross."
Holpuch, A. (2012, September 28). Andres Serrano's controversial Piss
Christ goes on view in New York. Retrieved July 23, 2016,
2. L.H.O.O.Q. or Mona Lisa
Marcel Duchamp is known for ready-mades (Wikipedia.com) where he takes
a mundane medium, such as a post card with the iconic photo of the Mona
Lisa, in this case, where he alters it with his own touch of artistry by adding a
mustache and goatee. He calls it a game (Duchamp, 1966) where he
phonetically alters the title for each piece. In my opinion, this comedic take
on art is certainly a valid form of artistic expression. Just like any other artist,
Duchamp's L.H.O.O.Q ("there is fire down below"), has many critics nodding
their head in disbelief. But as a psychology major, I find it essential to look at
the artist's point-of-view and try to understand the reasoning for such a
comedic and perhaps astonishing twist on the Mona Lisa. At the end of the
day, art is up to the artist and the viewers state-of-mind and interpretation. I
love that Duchamp was able to have a sense of humor way back in 1919
(Wikipedia.com) when times were tough and humor was perhaps hard to
come by.
http://www.toutfait.com/unmaking_the_museum/LHOOQ.html#top
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L.H.O.O.Q.

4. Cool Sacred Art Tattoo For Men

Tattoos have become more popular over the years and are even used as
cultural/sacred markings which can mean a lot to the person, tribe, etc. As an
observant Jew, I am prohibited by my religion (by the holy Torah) to make
any permanent markings or damages to my body (e.i., tattoos). Interestingly
enough, according to Jewish law, one is unable to alter the way they look with
ink and therefore, you cannot be buried in a Jewish cometary if you do have
any tattoos. Holocaust survivors, on the other hand, do not fall under this
category because they were forced to have their numbers tattooed to their
wrists. Moreover, I do believe that those who desire to get a tattoo should do
it with an intention. Tattoos are an artistic means of painting your story or
beliefs on your body as a human canvas. Some people tell their stories
through imagery, verbiage, etc. Regardless of how you do it, you are a
walking canvas displaying your inner expressionism.
http://tattoodesignstip.com/sacred-art-tattoo/cool-sacred-art-tattoo-formen/

5. Gormley Finds Himself in the Fog

Antony Gormley seems to be setting a new trend on the perspective of art. In
his galleries such as Blind Light and Space Station, he pushes the traditional
boundaries of the viewer simply looking at a work of art and reflecting upon
oneself. In these exhibits, Gormley creates an artistic point of view that
requires the visitor to step inside his work of art which creates the artistic
phenomenas around the viewer. Those who are watching, are then
experiencing another level of art-appreciation compared to those inside the
smoke-filled glass chamber or the steel plated gallery of the Space Station. It
is all based on your experience both inside and outside the exhibits. I truly
love the artistic creativity that Gormley executes. It gets your mind thinking
about what art truly is, how it is simply based on interpretation, and more
importantly, on the execution of the artist. What an outstanding execution
indeed! I would love to see one of these in person!

Dorment, R. (2007, May 15). Gormley Finds Himself in the Fog. Retrieved
from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/3665126/Gormley-findshimself-in-the-fog.html
6. Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble (video)
Music, videography, pictures, poems, lyrics....its all art! This interpretive video
is one of the many out there that perfectly blend the art of storytelling,
music, and film all into one beautiful picture. Here, Taylor Swift is portraying
a woman who fell for the "bad boy", which she knew was "trouble" all along,
and now finds herself alone with a broken heart. As main-steam as this song
may be, the director of this music video has successfully captured the hearts
of those who can relate to the story Swift is telling here. Bravo T-Swift, and
bravo to the artist behind the music video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNoKguSdy4Y