Instructions
Create a dialogue between two artists discussing their work(s) with an interviewer asking questions in front of an audience at an art gallery (much like a panel discussion format). Have Gris or Picasso dialogue with Matisse, Cezanne Gauguin, or van Gogh, Each one should explain his work(s), influences, philosophy, style, themes, and meaning, highlighting the reason for the work(s)’ importance to and impact on the world of art.
Use the style of dialogue used in a play. For example:
Interviewer: Senor Picasso and Monsieur Matisse, which work do you consider your most significant accomplishment and why do you think so?
Picasso: (Confidently) I have so many that are significant, but one that I think is truly a work of genius and innovation is [insert the Title of the Artwork]. This work shows the innovation the art world refers to as Cubism. I was the founder of that movement and perfected the style. No other artist has had that type of influence in the world of art.
Matisse: (Somewhat insulted). If I may be so bold, Senor Picasso, but I think my work has had a greater influence. My [insert the Title of the Artwork] has had a lasting impression, if you excuse the term, on thousands of artists. For example, …
Use the style of dialogue used in a play. For example:
Interviewer: Senor Picasso and Monsieur Matisse, which work do you consider your most significant accomplishment and why do you think so?
Picasso: (Confidently) I have so many that are significant, but one that I think is truly a work of genius and innovation is [insert the Title of the Artwork]. This work shows the innovation the art world refers to as Cubism. I was the founder of that movement and perfected the style. No other artist has had that type of influence in the world of art.
Matisse: (Somewhat insulted). If I may be so bold, Senor Picasso, but I think my work has had a greater influence. My [insert the Title of the Artwork] has had a lasting impression, if you excuse the term, on thousands of artists. For example, …
Write a two to three 2 page paper in which you:
Create dialogue for selected artist #1 that reflects his influences, philosophy, style, themes, and meaning of his work(s).
Create dialogue for selected artist #2 that reflected his influences, philosophy, style, themes, and meaning of his work(s).
Create dialogue for selected artist #1 that highlights the reason for work(s)’s importance and impact on the world of art.
Create dialogue for selected artist #2 that highlights the reason for work(s)’s importance and impact on the world of art.
Create appropriate interview questions that facilitate the dialogue and highlighted the comparison between the two (2) artists.
Include three (3) references that help support the artists’ comments. (The text may be used as one (1) reference.)
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
This course requires use of new Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different than other Strayer University courses. Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for details.
Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow SWS or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length.
Sample Solution
Interviewer: hello. Today we have two guests: Mr. Picasso and Mr. Gris, who are famous painters. Welcome painters (the audience claps).
Picasso: Thank you (smiling).
Gris: Thank you.
Interviewer 🙁 turning to Mr. Picasso). Mr. Picasso you have done a lot of paintings since you were young. What are some of the things that influenced you to engage in art?
Picasso: One of the main reason why I started painting was that my father was a painter, and he taught me how to paint. He taught in the school of art, and he would draw naturalistic paintings such as those of birds.
Interviewer: How about you, Mr. Gris, what influenced you to begin painting?
Gris: As you know, I was once an engineering student before, then later, I decided to start learning how to paint. For quite some time, I was a satirical cartoonist (laughing) before finally going to paint. I went to school for quite a while, but I started exhibiting my art a few years later.
Interviewer: How has your painting changed over time?
Picasso: When I first started painting, they were more naturalistic just like my father’s paintings, but with time, my style evolved, and I started experimenting with different techniques, theories, and ideas. I started adding more color to my paintings as you can see (pointing some of the paintings at the back).
Gris: It has always been on simplification of geometric structure. And it is also blurring of distinction and setting between the subject matter and background. It is seen in the woman with the mandolin after Corot which was on September 1916. I have a few samples here you can see (he shows it to the audience, and they are awed by the paintings).
Interviewer: What is your philosophy, Mr. Gris?
Gris: I believe that paintings communicate more than words. There are something’s we cannot say through words of mouth, but we say and achieve them through paintings (the audience claps and the interviewer turns to Mr. Picasso to get his response).
Picasso: My philosophy is to do what I want. Even from an early age, I knew what I wanted in life and pursued it. As you can see, I have become one of the best painters in this era. You got to do what makes you happy.
Interviewer: can you tell us the meanings of one your paintings Mr. Picasso
Picasso: It would be my pleasure (elated) the Guernica was done in 1937. It portrays the bombing by the German and Italian air forces at the behest of the Spanish nationalist government during the Spanish civil war. It is a very somber painting.
Gris: one of the paintings I ever made was of Mr. Picasso. He has always been my mentor, and for a long time, I always wanted to be like him. So this is a token of appreciation. This one is for you Mr. Picasso (he stands up and hands the painting. Mr. Picasso cannot hide his grin. The audience are now cheering as he does so, the interviewer is impressed).
Interviewer: What are some of the themes you tackle in your paintings?
Picasso: They are different, but I always cover everything. Most off my paintings are of people. I have painted some of my relatives such as Mrs. Stein who is my sister in law. Most of the photos are of beggars and prostitutes. They often portray some of the problems the society has to deal with. It, therefore, means that I am trying to inform people of this and make them work to stop such in our community.
Gris: I also tackle different themes in my art. There are some musical instruments that I have painted, and such do signify the theme of entertainment.
Interviewer: Tell us the reason for your work, and do you feel that your work has made an impact in the world?
Gris: I paint because of the passion I have for art, particularly painting. It has a lot of impact on people. During the many exhibitions, I have showcased I can see how the paintings speak to people. They bring what is unsaid within their souls. And that is the impact of my work.
Picasso: other than paying my bills (the audience bursts into laughter), I do it for fun; it has always been my passion. There was a time I went on a trip to Spain. After that trip, it influenced the nature of my paintings. I felt that I needed to show some of the ills in society. With that, it helped to eradicate some of them. Paintings usually communicate with people.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time, gentlemen. I am glad you agreed to do this interview. (They stand up and shake hands with one another. The audience claps as they do so).
REFERENCES
Cowling, E., & Mundy, J. (1991). On classic ground: Picasso, Leger, de Chirico and the New Classicism, 1910-1930. Choice Reviews Online, 28(11), 28-6065-28-6065. doi: 10.5860/choice.28-6065
Daix, P., (1994). Picasso: life and art .icon editions ISBN 978-0-06-430201-2.
Gris, J.(1988). Juan Gris peintures et dessines, 1887-1927 [Marseille]: musees de Marseilles ISBN 2-71118-2969-3. (French language).
