Line of Reasoning - Shakira, Maudy, Karen, Michiko (Secretary)

Line of Reasoning - Shakira, Maudy, Karen, Michiko (Secretary)

1. Form small groups, ~4.  Choose a facilitator to guide you through discussion and a secretary to take notes.  Watch Brian Holdsworth on What's Missing in Modern Art.  

a) What is Holdsworth's overarching thesis?

- That modern doesn’t inspire and amaze people compared to the classical arts. 

b) Reflect: Is Holdsworth's thesis stated, or implied?  Is it one sentence, or uses multiple?  Where does it occur: at the very beginning, or later after something else?

- He explicitly stated his own thesis. Three minutes into the video, he stated that “what they are (modern art) os that it doesn’t inspire me.”
- By the beginning of the video, he stated that classic art has more of an impact to inspire and amaze people. That classic art gives the impression that it takes much more effort to create. This way, he implied that modern is way more simple and that everyone can do it.

c) What is his line of reasoning?  In as few words as possible, what are the main reasons he gives for his claim?

- He stated that handwritten calligraphy and printed font calligraphy is different. Whereas the handwritten one is more beautiful and elegant compared to the latter.
- He also stated an example of the drawing by Michelangelo on the ceiling of a chapel will amaze and have people wonder “how can someone do that?” He then compared the painting to modern art in which the painting was merely brushed strokes of color. The brush strokes painting does not give the same positive impression as Michelangelo’s.

d) Do you agree or disagree?  Why?  Upload your notes.

- We unanimously agree on his thesis because we felt the same thing when we encounter classic and modern art. There’s a more “wow” factor when we see classical art. Modern art is a result of self-expression in which everyone can do.

2.  Chose one of the articles from below and look it over.

a) What is the thesis of the article?  

Modern Art or Trash?
- The article stated that modern art is NOT trash, however, it is harder for people to understand the essence and story behind modern art.

b) Is it stated explicitly?  Is it stated in one sentence?  Where in the article did you find the thesis?

- The thesis is implied in the article, meaning there is no sentence that explicitly stated their thesis. The thesis was mentioned in the second section of the article.

c) What is the author's line of reasoning?  State as succinctly as you can the main arguments supporting the thesis.

- Pablo Picasso used “trash” to complete his masterpiece. He turned what a so-called “trash” into a beautiful piece of art.
- Even though modern art is labeled as trash, it has a story or meaning behind it which gives value to the art piece.

d) Agree or disagree?  Why?  Upload your notes.

- We unanimously disagree because although it has meaning and value, it does not inspire us personally like how the classic ones do. However, this goes back to each individual’s preferences in art. Some may relate more to classical arts, while others relate more to modern art. In the end, both are still art.

Glad to see this competed and uploaded in class, well done!