KAOLIN | KOUROS
Quick links to more art terms and definitions are located at the end of the list.
Kaolin
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. Also known as china clay.
Kern
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. Also referred to as kerning. 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.
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.
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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6″ w x 6″ h
(2022)
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