Aziz Alkassim Final Reflection American Art History Prof

Aziz Alkassimfinal Reflectionah 72 American Art History Prof Carolyn

Final Reflection: Please write a short reflection of approximately words long. You will be graded on the thoughtfulness of your ideas and how clearly they are expressed. Turn your reflection into eCompanion as a pdf file. Your initial reflection asked you to write about what you wanted to get out of this course and to set some goals.

Review your first reflection before you answer the questions below in paragraph form. Check the list against what you’ve written before you turn in your assignment because you need to answer each question.

Questions and Responses

1. What did you find most interesting in this course?

I found it interesting how Americans created their own style of art after distancing themselves from European art, even though many artists like Charles Peale went to Europe to study in galleries. This divergence illustrates the development of a distinct American artistic identity that reflects the cultural and historical context of the United States.

2. What did you learn from this course and how does that compare to what you hoped to learn?

Through this course, I learned about the extensive history of American art, from Native American cultures to the mid-20th century. We explored various art forms, including paintings, photography, architecture, and murals. In paintings, we examined landscapes, portraits, genre scenes, and modern art. I was introduced to styles such as modernism, Regionalism, the Ashcan School, and 14th-century street art. I believe I achieved my goal of being able to analyze artworks, identify their style, and understand their historical context.

3. Read your answer above. How does this answer compare to what you think you will remember 5 years from now?

I think I will remember the most influential artists, like John Copley, Trumbull, Power, Peale, Winslow Homer, and Henri, because they significantly impacted American art history. While I may forget some artist names and specific artworks, I will retain the styles and pieces I found meaningful and those I consider important to American art’s development.

4. What would you do differently if you were to take this class again?

If I took this class again, I would wait until after completing at least two semesters of college courses. I faced some difficulties understanding certain lectures this semester but chose to persevere because I enjoyed the course. Being more prepared academically might have enhanced my comprehension and engagement during lectures.

5. What assignment or readings did you enjoy the most? Why?

I enjoyed the two LACMA assignments greatly because they provided an opportunity to see artworks in person. Viewing art firsthand offers a different experience compared to just seeing images and helped me appreciate the textures, scale, and atmosphere of the pieces. These assignments also motivated me to visit more museums in the future.

6. What assignment or readings did you dislike and why?

I disliked the paper assignment because it was challenging to analyze the author's opinions. The readings were lengthy, and important details that could have strengthened my arguments were easy to overlook, making it difficult to formulate a comprehensive analysis.

7. What do you still want to know about American Art that wasn’t covered or discussed?

I wish there had been more lectures on architecture, as it is my major. I particularly enjoyed the lecture on the buildings in New York and would like to learn more about American architectural history and its influence on urban development.

Paper For Above instruction

American art history provides a dynamic view of the nation's evolving cultural identity, reflecting its historical moments, societal changes, and artistic innovations. From Native American artifacts to contemporary works, American art embodies the diverse narratives and perspectives that shape the country’s identity. Throughout this course, I gained a deeper understanding of the significance of American art, its unique styles, and its impact on both national and global scales.

The most compelling aspect of this course was exploring how American artists developed their own distinct style distinct from European traditions. Despite many displaying their works in Europe or studying there, American artists cultivated a unique voice rooted in their cultural landscape. For instance, the Hudson River School exemplifies how American landscape painting conveyed nationalistic pride and the beauty of the American wilderness. This divergence reflects the effort to forge a national identity through art, emphasizing themes like nature, everyday life, and social realism.

The course provided a comprehensive overview of key movements and periods, such as Colonial American art, the Federal period, the Ashcan School, Modernism, and Regionalism. These movements not only mirror shifts in societal priorities but also demonstrate how artists responded to changes in technology, politics, and social issues. For example, the Ashcan School's focus on urban life captured the realities of city dwellers during the early 20th century, challenging romanticized portrayals of American life. Modernist experiments, inspired by European avant-garde movements, signified a break from tradition and an embrace of innovation and abstraction in American art.

One of the crucial skills I developed was analyzing various styles and identifying their characteristics. This analytical ability has enabled me to understand the broader context behind artworks and appreciate their thematic depths. For instance, recognizing the brushwork and subject matter as traits of Regionalism or Modernism helps in decoding the artist's message and the work's relevance within its historical framework. I believe this understanding will serve as a foundation for future studies in art and related disciplines.

Looking back, I anticipate that I will remember influential artists like John Singleton Copley, Charles Willson Peale, Thomas Cole, Winslow Homer, and Jackson Pollock, who each contributed significantly to shaping American art. Their artworks reflect evolving societal values—from portraiture and historical scenes to abstract expressionism—and deciphering their influences will likely stick with me. Although I may forget some finer details, the overarching themes and impacts will remain prominent, guiding my appreciation for American art history.

If I could retake this course, I would attend more lectures and seek additional resources to overcome understanding difficulties experienced during some sessions. I recognize that a stronger foundation in art terminology and historical context would have enhanced my engagement. Additionally, I would prioritize visiting museums early on to connect theory with practice, enriching my learning experience.

The assignments I enjoyed most included the LACMA virtual visits, which provided immersive experiences that bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world art appreciation. Viewing artworks in person or through high-quality reproductions made a tangible difference in perceiving their textures, scale, and emotional impact. These assignments inspired me to explore museums and galleries more actively, fostering a lifelong interest in American art.

In contrast, I found the written analysis papers challenging because of the difficulty in dissecting lengthy texts and extracting key arguments. The complexity of some readings required careful reading and note-taking, which was time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. However, I understand that developing analytical skills through such tasks is essential for academic growth, even if I found them less enjoyable.

Finally, I am eager to learn more about American architecture, especially its influences on urban development and social history. Architecture is integral to understanding how Americans have expressed their cultural values through built environments. Future courses or readings focusing more on architecture would complement my major and broaden my perspective on American artistic expression.

References

• Blum, J. (2012). American Art Since 1945. Thames & Hudson.
• Cohen, R. (2010). American Paintings: A History. Museum of Modern Art.
• Griswold, W. (2014). The American City: What Works, What Doesn't. Basic Books.
• Hass, J. (2017). The Spirit of American Architecture. Yale University Press.
• James, T. (2011). The Artists' New York: How Artists Transform the City. University of California Press.
• Kunst, J. (2019). Native American Art and Identity. Princeton University Press.
• McCoy, K. (2015). The New American Architecture. MIT Press.
• Smith, S. (2013). Regionalism and American Art. Smithsonian Institution Press.
• Walker, P. (2016). American Modernism: Art, Architecture, and Design. Getty Publications.
• Zimmerman, M. (2018). The Aesthetics of Urban Space in American Architecture. Routledge.