Opera, Rococo, and Baroque in Popular Culture

After thinking about it for the day and making a list I came up with a few more references to these styles in pop culture.

I'm sure we've all seen this one...

Iconic performance...

Take note of the costumes 45 seconds in...

-Michael

Gaga Goes Baroque

Here are a few examples of Gaga influenced by Baroque/ Rococo style...

 

Brit Awards 2010

London 2010

MOCA LA 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHiUUAXQyPo

 MTV VMAs 2009

 

-Michael

Castrato Mentioned in Pop Culture

After watching all the links provided in the syllabus last night the word I couldn't get the word "castrato" out of my head. I knew I had heard the word itself in a song or movie. After thinking about it for a while I realized it was referenced in Brian De Palma's Phantom of the Paradise (1974).

Here's the trailer with castrato mentioned at 1:18...

Phantom of the Paradise is an insane cult classic but the music from it is great. If you're ever in the mood from something really groovy I'd check it out.

-Michael

Creativity as a Process

I thought the Cuero interview was interesting as both an inspirational story and one that focused on values that matter. It was mostly a compilation of things that seem standard in motivational speaking but there was one idea that jumped out at me.

Cuero's assertion that good things take time is something I haven't given much thought to before now. It's especially pertinent now as we start our college careers. Taking things in and realizing that there's value in learning for the sake of learning is really important. Not only is the grade important. The journey is too.

-Michael

North Quarter

As I review the pictures of Delgado's "Cuarto Norte" I can't help but feel personally disconnected from the work for a few reasons. As a multimedia project, I feel it was something to be experienced in the moment and that couldn't be accurately replicated in a few photos. I also feel that the placement of the items in the room is more relevant to the project than the website detailed. It's an experience that seems poorly translated in the photos and on the website.

After struggling with my high school Spanish skills I ended up using an online translator to read the article. The information in the article in combination with what we were shown in class leads me to believe that this is a very personal piece to the artist with many more layers of meaning that the general public has context for.

I have a couple of ideas on the meaning of this work but I don't think I could accurately express my feelings because the article was so vague... and in Spanish.

Despite all of this I am reminded of a series of paintings Warhol did in the late 70's which have come to be known as "Oxidation Paintings" or as Warhol referred to them "Piss Paintings." In these works, Warhol covered canvas with metallic paints (gold and bronze are the only shades I'm aware of) and had visitors to the factory urinate on them. The urine oxidized the paint and created dark abstract shapes on the canvas.

While the resulting painting is what people study today the act of urinating/ the oxidation itself could be considered multimedia just like the build up of condensation/ice on the bust in "Cuarto Norte." While I don't think it was Warhol's intention for these to be viewed as multimedia I think the connection between the reacting metals in these pieces is a valuable contribution.

-Michael

Hello Hello

Hi everyone,

My name is Michael, this is my first year at UT, I'm a New Media Production Major, and If you couldn't tell by the video I'm a huge Gaga fan. I also feel inspired by Marina and the Diamonds and Andy Warhol. I'm actually really interested in Pop Music, Pop Art, and Pop Culture in general. I consider POP a hobby turned obsession.

I'm hugely excited for the Art and Technology course! After Professor Echeverry went through the syllabus with us I realized many of the things I've studied on my own time will be expanded upon in class.

I expect a great year with fun open discussions which focus on topics I already love.

Until next time- Don't be a robot.

-Michael