This is an ADLAB PRO video.
ADLAB PRO is a project funded by the European Union.
This video is made available to you on a Creative Commons licence.
This is Chris Taylor from the University of Trieste
and in this unit I shall be going over some general points
regarding what we call static arts.
This is Unit 1 "Static Arts" in Module 4
"Semi-live or recorded AD for static arts and environments".
Firstly we’ll make a distinction between two-dimensional art,
that is paintings, drawings, frescoes, etc.
and three-dimensional art which includes sculpture, architecture,
modern art installations and so on.
Let’s begin by looking at paintings and other manifestations
of two-dimensional art.
You need to know a little about art and art history
and at the end we’ll recommend some reading on this subject.
For now you need to be able to recognise basic distinctions
between, for example, ancient, Renaissance,
impressionist and abstract art.
These are probably the four most important periods.
You need to look at 2D static art works
and analyse the images, the colours, the light effects and so on.
On top of this you need to know something
about the historical context of the work, the artist’s background
and what he or she was attempting to portray.
In the case of ancient art, most works are of a religious
or pseudo-religious nature: gods, pharaohs, emperors, etc.
and the actual artists are often unknown.
There are however some very famous artefacts
displayed in museums and exhibitions around the world
which are useful to know.
They may provide useful reference points
for describing lesser known works in local galleries.
Ancient art works are often found in the form of mosaics
like in Ravenna and Aquileia in Italy,
Westminster Abbey in London,
and frescoes to find in churches, as well as actual paintings.
It is important to be able to recognise major works,
their historical and geographical provenance,
and where to find the work now.
The art produced in the Renaissance is recognised
as a great contribution to European civilization
starting with works by grand masters such as Veronese and Botticelli.
Veronese, like most Renaissance painters,
concentrated on religious subjects.
The paintings served also as a means of communication
to the mass of people who were illiterate
but needed to know about religion.
Botticelli’s most important works, on the other hand,
deal with the mythical world of gods and goddesses.
Renaissance art, as exemplified by Veronese, Botticelli,
Michelangelo, etc. has given us a great many masterpieces,
spread around the world in museums and galleries.
It is important to know something of the historical
and geographical provenance of these works
and where they are to be found.
Of course, the same also applies to lesser known works
which may be found in local institutions.
Impressionist art, as exemplified by Monet, Millais, Cézanne, etc.
has given us also a great many masterpieces,
spread around the world in museums and galleries.
And also, in this case it is important to know something
of the historical and geographical provenance of these works
and where they are to be found, and the same applies
also to lesser known works which may be found in local institutions.
Abstract art, as exemplified by Picasso, Mondrian, Klee, etc.
has also given us a great many masterpieces,
spread around the world in museums and galleries.
Also in this case it is important to know something
of the historical and geographical provenance of these works
and where they are to be found, and the same applies also
to lesser known works which may be found in local institutions.
Now we move on to three-dimensional art.
Again a basic knowledge of art history is important
to distinguish different periods and styles.
Ancient sculptures can be found in many museums,
made of wood, of stone, of bronze.
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans carved images
of pharaohs, of animals, of gods, of emperors and so on.
Major and minor works can be found, some very famous in major museums,
others unknown to most but abundant in local institutions everywhere.
The historical and geographical provenance of such items
is important to know, as well as their current location.
Again, major and minor works can be found,
some very famous in major museums, others unknown to most
but abundant in local institutions everywhere.
The historical and geographical provenance of such items
is important to know, as well as their current location.
The same applies to modern abstract sculpture.
Important landmarks include monuments such as Nelson’s column,
buildings such as the Colosseum, symbolic constructions
such as the Atomium in Brussels, and so on.
Recognise or research major landmarks:
historical background, geographical location, physical details.
Recognise or research minor landmarks or objects of interest
such as a London letter box: find out about the historical background,
geographical location, and physical details.
Know or research what major art galleries and museums contain.
This will provide a general overview of the world of static art.
This knowledge and methodology will be useful also
in the case of lesser known works and lesser known museums.
So, choose some two-dimensional and three-dimensional art works
and landmarks to study and analyse. This is a useful first stage
leading to the competences required to describe art works
for people with sight loss.
And this is the final slide in Unit 1.
The preparation of this presentation
was supported by ADLAB PRO. Audio Description:
A Laboratory for the Development of a New Professional Profile
financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme,
Key Action 2, Strategic Partnerships.
Project number:
2016-1-IT02-KA203-024311.
The information and views set out in this presentation
are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect
the official opinion of the European Union.
Neither the European Union institutions and bodies
nor any person acting on their behalf
may be held responsible for the use
which may be made of the information contained therein.
This was an ADLAB PRO video.
ADLAB PRO partners are: University of Trieste,
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona,
University of Antwerp, Adam Mickiewicz University,
RTV Slovenia, Utopian Voices,
Soundfocus and Royal National Institute of Blind People.
ADLAB PRO was funded by the European Union.
This video was made available to you on a Creative Commons licence.