KAOLIN | KOUROS
Quick links to more art terms and definitions are located at the end of the list.
Kaolin
(Also known as china clay.)
A fine, soft white clay formed when feldspar or other clays naturally decompose. It is used in the manufacture of porcelain and china, as a filler in paper and textiles, and in medical absorbents.
Kelvin
While not exclusive to art, the Kelvin scale is relevant in lighting design. It measures color temperature, which affects the perceived warmth or coolness of light. Artists and designers use Kelvin values to select appropriate lighting for their artworks or exhibition spaces.
Kerf
In woodworking and sculpture, the kerf refers to the width of the cut made by a saw blade or other cutting tool. It’s an essential consideration when planning intricate designs or fitting pieces together.
Kerning
Used in typography to reduce or adjust the amount of space between letters or characters to give them the appearance of more even spacing, so those characters appear better fitted together. Letters most often benefiting from kerning include the letters i, l, and t.
Key (low- or high-)
A phrase used to express the predominant values of a painting or drawing. “Low key” refers to a work that primarily consists of darker values, whereas “high key” describes a work that stays to a large extent in lighter values.
Keylines
The outermost lines or edges of a design or composition. They help define the boundaries and guide the viewer’s eye. In graphic design and illustration, keylines play a crucial role in creating visual hierarchy and structure.
Khachkar
A type of Armenian cross-stone or stele. These intricately carved memorial stones are often found in Armenian cemeteries and commemorate the dead. The designs typically feature crosses, floral motifs, and inscriptions.
Khartoum School
A modernist art movement in Sudan, emerged in 1960 to create a unique visual vocabulary reflecting the nation’s identity. This movement, characterized by primitive and Islamic imagery, played a significant role in Africa’s modern art growth, particularly in its use of calligraphic writing, simplifying Arabic script into abstract shapes.
Kiln
(Pronounced “kill.”)
A thermally insulated chamber, similar to an oven, that produces high temperatures to complete various processes such as hardening, drying, or chemical changes. Kilns are essential in many industries, particularly in ceramics, where they are used to fire pottery, tiles, and bricks.
Kinetic Art
An art form incorporating mechanical elements that move, often powered by wind, motors, or manual pressure. It emerged as a prominent art movement in the 1950s.
Kitchen Sink Painters
A British cultural movement in the late 1950s and early 1960s, consisting of a group of artists known as the “Beaux Arts Quartet,” celebrated for their portrayals of ordinary people in everyday life scenes.
Kitchen Still Life
A type of still life painting that focuses on objects typically found in a kitchen setting. This can include items like fruits, vegetables, utensils, cookware, and other kitchen-related objects. The goal is to capture the essence and atmosphere of a kitchen through a carefully arranged composition. A few key elements often found in kitchen still life paintings are:
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- Food Items: Fresh produce, bread, cheese, and other ingredients.
- Utensils and Cookware: Pots, pans, knives, and cutting boards.
- Tableware: Plates, bowls, cups, and glasses.
- Textiles: Napkins, tablecloths, and kitchen towels.
- Lighting: Often natural light to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
These paintings can range from highly realistic to more abstract interpretations, depending on the artist’s style. They often evoke a sense of homeliness and comfort, making them a popular subject for both traditional and contemporary artists.
Kitsch
A term of German origin used to categorize art or design considered to be in poor taste, lacking the sense of creativity and originality displayed in genuine art, because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way.
Kneaded Eraser
A tool used by artists to remove graphite and charcoal particles from a paper drawing. It is made from a pliable material that is similar to putty or gum and can be formed into any shape by hand-kneading it. This allows for precise erasing, highlighting, and detailing tasks.
Knife Painting
A technique where paint is applied to a surface using a palette knife instead of traditional brushes. This method allows artists to create bold, textured, and expressive strokes, often resulting in a more dynamic and three-dimensional effect. The palette knife can be used to mix colors directly on the canvas, apply thick layers of paint, and scrape or blend areas to achieve various textures and effects. The versatility of the palette knife makes it a favorite tool for many contemporary artists seeking to explore new textures and effects in their paintings.
Kokand Architecture
Refers to the distinctive style of buildings found in Kokand, a city in Uzbekistan known for its historical architecture. Notable features include colorful ceramic tiles, intricate woodwork, and ornate facades.
Kore
(Plural: korai)
The female counterpart to Kouros. Kore is a type of ancient Greek statue representing a young woman, usually clothed in a peplos (a simple garment). These sculptures were often placed as votive offerings in temples or grave markers.
Kouros
(Visual Art: Archaic period, 7th to 5th centuries BCE)
Refers to free-standing Ancient Greek sculptures depicting nude male youths, often crafted from marble. While some “kouroi” represented the god Apollo, many served as grave markers or offerings to the gods. The statues’ youthful features, including beardless faces, signified an age of not yet fully matured adulthood.
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(2022)
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