"Well, I could have done THAT!" Quiz

Answer: Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso, one of the most groundbreaking artists in modern history, teamed up with Georges Braque to create Cubism, a style that forever changed the art world. Instead of sticking to traditional ways of showing objects and people, Cubism broke them down into geometric shapes and pieced them back together in fascinating, abstract designs. Picasso's iconic works like "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" and "Guernica" showcase his ability to to tell intricate stories through this interesting approach.

Answer: Fluorescent light fixtures

Dan Flavin took everyday fluorescent lights, the kind you find in office ceilings, and turned them into glowing works of art. He didn't customize or disguise them. On the contrary, he leaned heavily into their plain, store-bought look, even leaving the cords visible. The magic came from how he used them to play with color, light, and the space around them, creating stunning installations that felt both familiar and completely unexpected.

And yes, technically, you could have done that, but you didn't.

Answer: Salvador Dalí

You may not know the name, but you have almost certainly seen the painting. "The Persistence of Memory" features melting clocks draped over a barren landscape, which according to some symbolizes the relativity and impermanence of time. Set against a dreamlike backdrop, the piece incorporates Dalí's famous surreal elements, such as distorted forms and a creepy stillness, creating a captivating, if a bit unsettling, scene.

Answer: Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch's "The Scream", painted in 1893, is widely recognized as a powerful depiction of human anxiety. The bold contrasts of the swirling orange and blue sky with the ghostly figure clutching its face evoke a sense of unease that still feels relevant today. The painting was inspired by a moment of intense angst Munch experienced during a walk at sunset, and its raw emotion sucks you in.

"The Scream" exists in multiple versions, including two paintings, two pastel drawings, and several lithographs, all created by Munch himself between 1893 and 1910. This iconic artwork has also endured a history of thefts; the most famous incident occurred in 1994 when the National Gallery in Oslo was robbed during the Winter Olympics, and one of the painted versions was stolen. Similarly, in 2004, another version was stolen from the Munich Museum. Both times they were recovered rather speedily.

Answer: Andy Warhol

The undisputed heavyweight champion of the pop-art movement, Andy Warhol redefined the boundaries between high art and popular culture. His works, like the much-celebrated Campbell's Soup Cans and Marilyn Monroe silkscreens, transformed everyday objects and celebrities into bold, colorful icons.

Warhol's influence extended beyond visual art and famously into the world of contemporary music with his collaboration with The Velvet Underground. Acting as their manager and producer, Warhol introduced the world to the band's sound. He also designed the cover for their 1967 debut album, "The Velvet Underground & Nico", featuring a banana with a peel-away sticker revealing a pink interior. You may think you're cool, but you'll never be Andy Warhol designing an erotic strip-tease banana album cover for the Velvet Underground cool.

Answer: Spiral Jetty

The Spiral Jetty is a stunning earthwork sculpture created by artist Robert Smithson in 1970. If you happen to be in Utah, you can find it at Rozel Point on the northeastern shore of Utah's Great Salt Lake. This massive spiral, crafted from black basalt rocks, dirt, and salt crystals, twists into the lake's pinkish waters, creating a striking scene. (The pink color is caused by salt-loving bacteria and algae in the northern waters of the lake).

It's a major piece of the land art movement, which is about exploring how humans and nature interact. What makes it even more interesting is how it changes over time, with its appearance shifting with the lake's water levels and salinity. Over the years, the Spiral Jetty has become a must-see for art fans, nature lovers, and bored Utahans.

Answer: Edward Steichen

Steichen photographed Rodin in his studio in 1901, positioning him alongside a marble Monument to Victor Hugo and a bronze of The Thinker. Without a wide-angle lens and in the cramped confines of the studio, he ended up needing to combine two shots to complete the portrait. Rodin appears deep in thought, as if he shared The Thinker's quiet contemplation, while Hugo's luminous figure dominates the background and seems to cast a watchful, perhaps even reproachful, gaze over the otherwise dark scene.

Answer: Audrey Flack

"I believe in art.
I do not believe in the 'Art World' as it is today.
I do not believe in art as a commodity."

- Audrey Flack

Audrey Flack, a pioneering figure in the photorealism movement, has a talent for turning everyday objects into life-like works of art that seem to leap off the canvas. Her paintings, created with meticulous attention to detail using acrylics, often combine elements of still-life with profound cultural commentary. For example, "Marilyn (Vanitas)", painted in 1977, is a tribute to the glamour of Marilyn Monroe, but it's also a reflection on the fleeting nature of beauty and fame, filled with symbolic objects like clocks, mirrors, and makeup.

Answer: Stuart Davis

Stuart Davis was a significant figure in modern art, known for his ability to infuse his works with the rhythm of urban life. In the 1920s, his paintings reflected influences from jazz, advertising, and everyday objects, resulting in compositions that blended abstracted forms and bold colors. Works like "Lucky Strike" and the "Egg Beater" series showcased his innovative approach, transforming ordinary subjects into striking visual statements. Davis's use of geometric patterns and lively color palettes captured the essence of a changing America.

Answer: Man Ray

Man Ray, an important figure in 20th-century art, was a multifaceted artist best known for his contributions to photography and Surrealism. Born in the United States, he later moved to Paris, where he became deeply involved in the avant-garde movements of the time, including Dada, the anti-art art movement.

Man Ray was renowned for his groundbreaking photographic techniques, such as his "rayographs," which were created without the use of a camera by placing objects directly on photo-sensitive paper. Beyond photography, he also delved into painting, film, and sculpture, leaving a legacy of innovation and creativity that continues to inspire artists today.