Architecture Visual Arts - Research Paper Example

Final Project: Arts and Humanities Final Project: Arts and Humanities Part Architecture One of the most magnificent architectural landmarks of Maryland is Hammond-Harwood House located in Annapolis, Maryland. This architectural edifice contains a rich historical background with its roots being traced in 1774. However, when one takes a look at the details of the architectural elements and form, guests would revel at the intricate art forms that encompass different styles and functions. Despite the historical underpinnings, the structure remains strong and pristine in its original form.

A quick research on the details of the architectural site reveals that the Hammond-Harwood House was chosen to be designed by a 40-year-old English architect William Buckland, but who inadvertently died in December of 1774 ( (Hammond-Harwood House Association: History par. 4). As a structural framework for the house, Buckland was noted to have used “Andrea Palladio’s elevation, and to a lesser extent the plan, as his conceptual model to build the Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis, Maryland in 1774” (Hammond-Harwood House Association, Inc.

: Architecture Lecture 27). Source: Hammond-Harwood House Association: Architecture Lecture What is visually striking in this architectural house is the symmetrical lines and exact parallel proportions in sytle and structure. One could appreciate the geometrical forms of the house’s rooftops and the left and right structures designed as polygonal bays. There are connecting bridges that parallel the forms of Roman arches making the style connectingly flawless in five-part completed form. This is consistent with the lessons contained in chapter 5 on art which states that: “classical Athenian buildings were designed and constructed with mathematical precision, in keeping with the Greek love of numerical and geometric harmony” (Chapter 5: Art 123).

As such, the aesthetic appeal of the structure has captivated the emotions of guests and viewers who appreciate its architectural beauty since it was built in 1774 until contemporary times. It is therefore commendable that the historical house is being currently maintained and preserved by the Hammond-Harwood House Association to ensure that his magnificent example of an architectural talent continues to inspire future generations. Part II: Art A work of contemporary art that captured one’s attention is street art, which is still controversial since it ventures on issues leading to vandalism and graffiti.

The art republic defines street art as “any art developed in public spaces…(including) traditional graffiti art work, as well as, stencil graffiti, sticker art, wheatpasting and street poster art, video projection, art intervention, guerrilla art, flash mobbing and street installations” (artrepublic par. 1). In Baltimore, one encountered a street art by Nether, as shown below: From this art work, one could see that the visual representations include painting words, acronyms, intricate details as painted on walls, sidewalks, and posts.

Using vivid and color combinations in blues, violets, greens, red and black, the artist simply painted personal expressions of no particular central theme or focal point. Made in March of 2011, the art form could be considered controversial as some citizens may express disapproval for this form. Unwary of the public’s contentions, street artists are considered “simply enjoy(ing) the freedom of working in public without having to worry about what other people think” (artrepublic par. 3) Source: Street Art by Nether – Baltimore (MD) This art form could be classified under pop art where artists use “the imagery, styles, and themes of advertising, mass media, and popular culture” (Boddy-Evans par. 1). Further, as disclosed in the reading, pop art “has been described as “fun” art, for its exponents all seem to have a sense of humor about much of what they do” (Chapter 5: Art 159).

Therefore, for street artists, the purpose of their expressing art through the streets as their medium is to promote diverse message ranging from enhancing public awareness on their ideals, principles and interests, to relaying trivial depiction for the love of their craft. As shown in another street art, Baltimore has painted an image of an architectural structure with a chair painted at the center. Aside from showing expertise in the use of art materials, paints, colors and images, street artists are using this medium to express their personal message of what is being thought of with the aim of furthering their talents through other possible contemporary media in the future.

Source: Street Art by Nether – Baltimore (MD) Conclusion The essay hereby achieved its objective of presenting two art forms in architectural and street art. Through the Hammond-Harwood House in Maryland, one has appreciated architecture as art through the interplay of both form (building) and function (a historical landmark). On the other hand, through Nether’s street art, his expression to fill sidewalks, walls and lamp posts with colorful and visual representations of words and images, his personal message is shared and relayed to a wide variety of audience and is thereby appreciated by art enthusiasts who get chance to view his work.

References artrepublic. Street Art. 2008. 17 November 2011 . Boddy-Evans, M. Art Glossary: Pop Art. 2011. 20 November 2011 . "Chapter 5: Art." The Art of Being Human: The Humanities As A Technique for Living. Pearson Education, Inc., 2009. Hammond-Harwood House Association. History and Architecture. 2009. 15 November 2011 . Hammond-Harwood House Association, Inc. The Design of the Historic Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis, Maryland. n.d. 15 November 2011 .