Baroque Art and Architecture: Origins and Evolution
Baroque: The Term’s Origin and Evolution
The term “Baroque” surged in the 16th century in Spain and Portugal, initially describing pearls of irregular form. Later, it was extended to characterize granitic rocks. In 1690, the term was introduced in France with a similar meaning. By the mid-18th century, it was comprehensively used in dictionaries of the French Academy to describe odd-shaped and irregular objects. In 1788, the *Encyclopédie Méthodique* used it to describe extravagant architecture.
Read MoreMajor Art Movements: Dadaism to Surrealism
Dadaism
Dadaism was an anti-art movement, anti-literary and unpoetic, questioning the very existence of art, literature, and poetry. It presented itself as a way of life and as an absolute rejection of any tradition or previous scheme. It was against eternal beauty, against the eternity of principles, against the laws of logic, against the immobility of thought, and against the universal. The Dadaists promoted change, individual freedom, spontaneity, immediacy, and contradiction. They defended chaos
Read MoreRationalism and Organicism: Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright
Modern Movement: Rationalism and Organicism
Rationalism: Le Corbusier
Rationalism adapts modern construction techniques to functional needs. It features unornamented, transparent volumes, with decoration derived from the arrangement of openings in facades. Le Corbusier, a key theorist, urbanist, and architect, developed the Modulor. He envisioned a plan for a contemporary city of three million inhabitants. His focus was on housing, both individual homes and apartment blocks. These “machines for living”
Read MoreSpanish Society, Culture, and Avant-Garde Literature
Society and Culture
No Renewal. Technical progress: radio, telephone, cars, movies… New scientific theories: relativity theory (Einstein) and method of psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud). This created a school of thought: human beings repressed since childhood by customs and traditions, limiting freedom. World War (1914-1918)… a crisis which affected all of Europe, leading to a search for new approaches and ways of living. Spain did not participate, but suffered the consequences. Primo de Rivera,
Read MoreUnderstanding Theatre: Essential Elements and Genres
Theatre
Drama presents a unique set of challenges, existing as both text and performance. While narrative and poetry readings often seek solitude, theatre thrives on staging. Theatrical discourse is crafted so that the audience receives the message live; the audience cannot directly or actively participate. Therefore, a number of people are needed to bring the text to life, along with a venue for the performance, and other supporting elements such as set design, makeup, and wardrobe.
We can define
Read MoreUnderstanding Communication: Elements, Media, and Audience
Key Elements of Communication
Communication involves several key elements: sender, message, channel, receiver, code, context, and situation.
The Role of Feedback
Feedback is a crucial communication mechanism that reveals the consequences of a message on the receiver. It allows the sender to understand the effects of their message and adjust accordingly. Feedback helps the sender gauge the receiver’s opinion.
Feedback in Media:
- Receiver Capability: The ability of the receiver to respond to messages and