Frank Llyod Wright

THE ARTIST:

Frank Lloyd Wright was born on June 8, 1867 in Richland Center, Wisconsin. When Frank was twelve years old his family relocated and during the summer time between school Frank would spend time on his Uncle’s farm. This is where Frank’s dream of becoming an architect began. (Carter) Before completing high school Frank Lloyd Wright left 15 to attend college at the University of Wisconsin. After two semesters of Civil Engineering he left to work in Chicago in 1887. After perfecting his own style Frank decided to leave his employment and open his own office in 1891. Wrights use of natural material s became the basis for his organic architectural style. Throughout his career as a young architect Wright moved two times and ended up in Germany, then ended up back in Wisconsin in 1911 to retrieve land left to him from his family. The Taliesin which is one of Wright’s most famous architectural pieces was rebuilt after a plot for murder left the original structure burnt down. The rebuilt version of the Taliesin is just an example of what became Frank’s style in using natural materials. His love for nature left a legacy for his architectural work for other to enjoy. Internationally recognized Frank Lloyd Wright passed on April 9 at 92 years old. While Wright was designing extravagant metaphors for millionaires trying to escape from the city, he was also trying to build inexpensive houses for the poor, in such a way as they might escape the city too. (Hurder)

THE WORK:

Falling Waters is his most recognized example of the union of architecture and nature. (Wagonner, 12) Completed in 1938 Falling Waters was built in Millrun, PA for the Kaufmann family. The main house uses 5,330 square feet. The foundation for this structure was taken just uphill of the property. Although Wright disliked basements one was added in the Kaufmann home for wine and fruit. The cantilever of the first floor which is the most popular view in photographs and paintings extends 14.5 ft. over the stream. In this entire structure there are three stories that make up this wonderful work of art. Falling Water is not only a historic landmark, it is a defining moment in the long career of Frank Lloyd Wright.

MY REACTION:

As an interior design student it is an inspiration to see such great talent that will never be forgotten. Architectural design is a very powerful movement because of the many elements that can be combined to make one unified piece. In the case of the Falling Waters, I wonder over the idea of creating something so significant in my life time. Although Franks Lloyd Wright’s career created a footprint that will never be filled, it only gives me a goal that may seem unreachable now, but that one day the amount of experience I will gain can create a legacy that will seem untouchable to the ones who come after my career. This piece creates a story of unspeakable belief once the house is peeled layer by layer. 

WORK CITED

Carter, Amanda. "Frank Lloyd Wright; Biography." Frank Lloyd Wright; Biography. Web. 31 May 2012. <http://www.cmgww.com/historic/flw/bio.html>.

Spencer, Robert Closson. The Work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Boston, 1900. Print.

Waggoner, Lynda. Falling Water. New York: Rizzoli International, 2011. Print.

THE ARTIST

Marcel Janco was born in 1895 in Rumania. He then later left to study architecture in Zurich which around that time was going through some artistic changes because of world war 1. When he arrived in Zurich he walked right in on the beginning period of the DADA movement. (Kostelanetz 313) Marcel joined a group that called themselves avant-guard which had all united do to the anger of the war. Marcel was most popular for his African masks that were exhibited in the Cabaret Voltaire. 1921 After a short time in Paris, returned to Bucharest, worked in architecture and was active in the artist's groups. Janco’s buildings is in some ways gives you the same experience to looking at his abstract paintings in which the forms are perfectly composed within the space.(Zommer-Tal 72) He later moved to Palestine in which he lived until his death in 1984. Marcel Janco died on April 24 1984. Before he passed Marcel Janco was also a teacher who taught the arts arts. He left a large amount of oil paintings, drawings on many subjects as well as sketches, architectural plans, texts and a great heritage that will be researched for many years. (Zommer-Tal 73)

THE WORK OF ART

The wounded soldier was painted with water color on paper 1941-1948 on October 28th. Marcel Janco illustrates a soldier in a crouched potion with his head tuned upwards. With the uses of red sound the soldiers face and the red looking puddle on the ground the soldier would appear to be dead rather than just being wounded. The painting also shows the soldiers left leg missing a foot which could be the reason for the large red oval surrounding the body on the lower half. The soldier is also holding his weapon as if he is trying to prop himself back up even though he was some extreme wounds and is bleeding out.

MY REACTION

Coming from a background of experiencing war time, seeing this painting brings me back to when I was in Iraq. Although things for me were much quieter than it was for others may have experienced these type of images definitely crossed my mind several times. I chose this painting for the my theme of love because I see many sides to to this painting. One I see a soldier who has paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country and for some people they love their country so much that they would be honored to have done such a deed. On another side of this I see a soldier who lost a lot of love when taking on the responsibility of war. For me being in Iraq the conditions and working hours became physically and mental draining that I felt dead to the world at times. For Marcel to have painted a picture this way I think shows that he loved to show how he felt during this time of tragic events and that he was affected by them. This type of painting can show love in many different ways. Loving people that are willing to sacrifice their very own lives during war time to stand and fight for what they do truly belive in. The personal response this painting has on me is it symbolizes how much I hated being in war and also the damaging effects it has on people that I was very much afraid of happening during my tour.

WORK SITED

Kostelanetz, Richard. Dictionary of the Avant-gardes. Chicago: Cappella, 1993. Print.

"Lot 11682: 'The Wounded Soldier ' - Fine Art Auctions. Buying & Selling Israeli And Judaica Art – Hammersite.com." Lot 11682: 'The Wounded Soldier ' Web. 03 May 2012. <http://www.hammersite.com/Requestbid/11682.aspx>.

Zommer-Tal, Raya. "Marcel Janco AND THE DADA SPIRIT." International Panorama (2006): 72-73. Print.