Watercolor, acrylics, poster color, and oil colors. Well, there are more. I think it'll be a fun and interesting article to simple analyze the pros and cons of color types in a humorous sense. Something like the personification of colors. Amid our serious articles, we need something light to serve our audience.
That would be a very fun article indeed! The major thing is not to take this seriously because there is no way a certain colour or material is better than another. Each one has a different purpose, and it's very subjective - you would start a war in the comment section! So make it fun and ironic and light :)
– Rachel Elfassy Bitoun9 years ago
This sounds delightful. I don't know that much about art but something like this could be informative and lots of fun to read. Hope someone takes on the challenge. – Celeste Reeb9 years ago
I agree with Rachel, this could be a tricky subject to work with though unique in its approach. The topic sounded a little too vague before; if only because the subject of colors could be applied to just about anywhere artistic, not just the "Arts." Maybe have an article centered around artists like Pablo Picasso who used color to emphasize the subjects of his art's emotions (Rose Period, Blue Period, etc.). – dsoumilas9 years ago
As a mixed media artist, this topic intrigues me. The thing that concerns me is your suggestion of using humor to convey the topic. As a person who uses sarcasm and humor in most of his writing, I wouldn't know how to use humor in an effective way when talking about different paint mediums. – Kenny Lim9 years ago
Examine and describe certain movements of electronic music since its rise in popularity. Focus on a single genre or several at once. What were their implications in the raver community? How did society react to these new types of sounds? I believe you can trace how the underground sounds in the raver culture of old can help uncover certain trends and developments that have influenced the mainstream industry of pop music.
I would also add discussion on the argument regarding the legitimacy of electronic dance music--is there any real skill/expertise in its creation, and if so, does it require enough talent to be as vastly popular as it is? Does talent play into composition at all? – amyolweiler9 years ago
Consideration definitely needs to be paid towards the difference between 'actors' who DJ live without DJing live - pre-recorded sets, etc. - and those who are pushing the boundaries and who pushed them in the first place. Perhaps worth thinking about major voices in this issue, like Mat Zo, who once shared a list of 'ghost producers' for 'famous' DJs, or Deadmau5 who was laughing not long ago about a Forbes story detailing the bankruptcy of SFX Entertainment. Both of those artists take the creation of their music very seriously; Zo has even made 'theproducersforum.com' to facilitate the development of new electronic artists. /Never/ boil down EDM into a push-play culture. There is immense skill in the craft of some artists, both in composition and live performance. Disclosure, Madeon and Porter Robinson quickly come to mind. – JekoJeko9 years ago
Analyze what about the Grimm fairytales causes them to be recycled artistically age after age. What is their cultural legacy in the Western world? "Children's and Household Tales," now commonly known as "Grimms' Fairy Tales," has supposedly been translated into over 100 languages, and besides the Bible, is the most commonly purchased work throughout the world. These tales continually serve as a source of inspiration for writers, artists, and filmmakers. Include a discussion of Grimm adaptations throughout the centuries: some suggestions are the poem "Der Erlkönig" by Goethe, the Pre-Raphealite painting "The Council Chamber" by Edward Burne-Jones, and a few modern films ("Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters," "Into The Woods," the television show "Grimm," etc.)
I really really love this topic. Fairy tales, especially the Grimm's recordings, have shaped so much of the fiction archetypes for modern pop culture. Tracing where these archetypes show up is really interesting, and in some cases go forward to the presents or back as far as ancient mythology. – SomeOtherAmazon9 years ago
I love fairy tale retellings, so this sounds like a great topic. It also might be good to point out how the stories have changed, how instead of creating new ones they were redone to be less harsh, while keeping the morals for which they were written. – Fox9 years ago
Girls from all around the world having been playing dress up since they were a little girls. Make up has played a huge role in women's lives to express themselves. Is this self expression viewed as a form of art or a way to hide flaws? One could argue women are faking the way they truly look when, in reality, it is another form of art that can be studied.
Well, using makeup to enhance physical attraction and seeing makeup as art are two very different topics. You could look at it psychologically, as a form of behavior to be studied, because it's not a question when it comes to art; Makeup can be and is art. https://www.facebook.com/sosenka.official This is a link to the artist Sosenka, who is also a female and uses makeup for her profession. – Slaidey9 years ago
You could probably also incorporate body painting/body art into this conversation about makeup as art. Both forms are using the body as a canvas. – Marcie Waters9 years ago
from my point of view, ladies want to hide flaws and look more attractive for men. women like to be the center of attention especially for men. they learn make up art not because it is a art, because they can use it for their aims. human beings are crazy about beauty and integrity. most of the people do not see beauty in deep skin so ladies have found a solution for this weak point.
– Elahe Almasi9 years ago
If you're going to look at it from a psychological perspective, one thing to consider would be "how does using makeup at a young age affect a little girl mentally"? Girls are pressured from a young age to be and look perfect, and it's only human nature to judge each other based on looks. Another aspect to think about would be "how does everyone else's perspective on makeup affect the little girl"? What would the societal pressures on her be? What about the opinions of her sisters and/or her mother (hypothetically speaking)? What is the media saying? There are many factors which can be considered when it comes to such a subject. And then there are the girls who do see makeup as a creative expression, an art form. How does society treat them? Are they denoted for their use of makeup? Are they celebrated for their creativity? How do they differ from the girls using CoverGirl to cover up "flaws"? The creative girls are naturally more outgoing because they have the confidence to wear bold colors. While the girls covering up their so-called "imperfections" are naturally more inwardly drawn. Is this the fault of the makeup? Or just the way they are as people? Finally, why do girls think they are "flawed" in the first place? That would be the root of the problem, which, of course, could loop back to societal pressures and predetermined standards set upon women in the first place. Just a thought; I hope it helps! – Megan Finsel9 years ago
For the author of this article, be sure to read this, another article about makeup on The Artifice, and make sure there's not too much overlap: https://the-artifice.com/the-feminist-makeup-culture-reconsidering-cosmetics/ – MichelleAjodah9 years ago
Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" is full of colorful language and symbols, so it would be interesting to have a critical analysis of the song's many themes and symbols using a structural approach.
This is an interesting idea but I think it is too broad. What kind of specific questions would you raise about the song, other than what themes and symbols it has? Also, I think you mean "structuralist" analysis, not "structuralistic" (if you're referring to the literary theory of structuralism). – Christina9 years ago
Indeed, that was a typo and has been corrected. The idea of the article would be to analyze the lyrics without leaning toward any other theory, such as psychoanalysis or lesbian/gay criticism. While those ideas may be found within (indeed, they have been used before), I would like the meaning of the lyrics to be tested without the bias of other literary theories. – scmblack9 years ago
In the last decade, the rise of writing poetry in order to raise cultural issues has taken off in a Border town called Laredo, Texas. The city neighbors Mexico and is delved in rich Mexican and American culture. It is balanced by both struggle, hardship, and endearment. This topic obviously does not have to focus on how slam poetry has specifically transformed this city, but it can explore how the Slam Poetry organization has transformed cities to be more expressive, literate, creative, and engaging with its own and surrounding communities. This topic could take many targeted perspectives, really; as long as it displays how empowering spoken word and the freedom of free speech guides society.
I really love this specific take on slam poetry. – MichelleAjodah9 years ago
Can art be used as a means of therapy or treatment? We already have research suggesting that certain colors evoke certain emotions and feelings. We also have research suggestion that certain images and music may do the same thing. Is it possible that patients with minor behavioral issues could be helped by meditating over an image when they become sad or even angry? Or perhaps that sad music could be listened to to evoke low emotions and allow grieving, and then quickly followed by happier music to bring a person back to a positive state of mind?
I like this topic! I know, for example, shellshocked soldiers during WWI read Jane Austen novels to relieve their mental turmoil. The concept of having a healthy psyche which, in turn, leads to healthy recovery is a wonderful topic that I'd love to read more about. – Connor9 years ago
I'm a music major, and several of my profs have mentioned the rise of music therapy. It's a rapidly growing field. Perhaps that could be part of this topic; is there a reason that art is being valued more and more as a type of therapy? – Laura Jones9 years ago
I do believe the healing power of art. During my depression period, I started teaching myself watercolor and oil painting. When creating, you can focus on the present and allow yourself occupied by the color, brush strokes and images. You then forget the unpleasant past and uncertain future. You are so happy with the high productivity. Making arts can release your inner artist and enables you to get to know a new community. New way of seeing and thinking open your mind winder and make your heart bigger. In creating art work, you understand all kinds of emotions and want to let them out in a comfortable way. By doing art, I realize I have more aesthetic capacity and can see beauty in everything now...... Becoming an artist, awakening/seeking an authentic self ... – HappyNewYing9 years ago
I stumbled upon this article that could help in your research of this topic:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11403404/Art-does-heal-scientists-say-appreciating-creative-works-can-fight-off-disease.html
I think it's a worthwhile topic best of luck if you choose to pursue it! – kaliveach9 years ago
Something to note could also be the rise of therapeutic adult coloring books. – MichelleAjodah9 years ago
Yes it can; there are degree programs in Art Therapy, Music Therapy and Drama Therapy - they are legitimate occupations (and require a lot of education - you have to have undergraduate degrees in psychology AND art/music/theatre, and then get a Master's or PhD in the particular therapy, so it can take up to a decade to get a license. There are also only 34 universities in the United States that offer EPAB-approved Art Therapy graduate degree programs, so they are hard to come by, even if you have the time to devote to them). Exploring specific strategies of these therapies (such as the possibilities you presented) is probably a better topic than asking if they exist. – Katheryn9 years ago
As someone pursuing a bachelors degree in music therapy, I know – not even think – that music is healing. The field grows every day, with more people becoming more aware of what music therapy is all about. It is not the mere listening to music to lift spirits or playing music for others’ relaxation and enjoyment (though it does include these techniques, don’t get me wrong); it involves so much more, for example: creating music, movement to music, socialization, storytelling using music, and a combination of these. Even silence can be used if it is what the client responds to. Music itself is therapeutic, and when implemented in an intimate clinical setting with a trained professional, it only enhances the effect. From what I have read and seen of case studies, music can help people with depression, autism, dementia (this is a big one), and various physiological problems, to name a few. I’m not going to dwell upon what “officially” constitutes as music therapy (according to my textbooks), but I can say that every individual’s reaction to music is unique; no one situation is the same, and therefore, there is no one universal music therapy technique that everybody will respond to. Long story short, music is therapeutic and healing, but music therapy is so much more. – thiaxmusic8 years ago
Analyze the history of women's roles in martial arts and how it has changed from then to now. If you wanted to, you could broaden it and discuss any type of fighting. You could even mention Disney's 'Mulan' and 'Brave' as examples of progress towards women and fighting.
If I were to expound on this topic, I would look more in the direction of MMA or Mixed Martial Arts. Women are making serious strides of success in this sport and new and interesting headlines. I taught traditional martial arts for over 5 years. I am a second degree black belt and I can say that when MMA started to take form--by mixing both standup and ground fighting styles--the thought of women fighting in such a bloody sport was unheard of. This is a good topic. Ask for more info about women in the MMA. Scott – SWBiddulph9 years ago
Would definitely be important to mention Hou Hsiao-Hsien's film 'The Assassin' and the recognition it has had for being 'feminist' – Jacqueline Wallace9 years ago
This is a big but fascinating topic. There is a huge number of films to choose from, depending if the author is writing from a Hollywood or international perspective. – sophiacatherine9 years ago
