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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. There was only one commonality between father and son and that was what?

2. Although Irwin probably was not familiar with whose philosophy of "The Rotation Method," the philosopher's conclusion that fertility is created through self-limitation shines through in his work?

3. As more of Irwin's works go on display and are sold, what happens to Irwin?

4. What is L.A.'s funky, avant-garde community of artists?

5. To the entrepreneur, Irwin is exceptional and thus was able to do what?

Short Essay Questions

1. After his second tour of duty, what does Robert do? How does he feel about this?

2. Describe Irwin's upbringing. What happened when he decided he no longer wanted to go to church?

3. Describe Irwin's parents.

4. Describe Irwin's liberal thinking.

5. What did Irwin's parents think of his art?

6. What happens when Irwin grows discontented with his show at the Felix Landau Gallery in Los Angeles?

7. What does Robert do after leaving school?

8. What leads Irwin from lines to dots?

9. What does Blum think of Irwin's art?

10. What is Robert's connection to Asian philosophies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Irwin begins making dot paintings.

Part 1) Describe these dot paintings. What leads to the creation of these dot paintings? How are the steps leading to these paintings important?

Part 2) What does Irwin do after these dot paintings? Why? How do these dot paintings lead to new works?

Part 3) How do actions and decisions related to your hobbies lead you along new paths? How is this beneficial for you?

Essay Topic 2

Robert moves to Europe.

Part 1) Describe this move to Europe. What does he learn while in Europe? Could he have learned this in the states? Why or why not?

Part 2) What does the reader learn about Irwin during this time? How does this time influence him later in life?

Part 3) Would you ever want to live outside the U.S.? If so, where and why? If not, why not?

Essay Topic 3

Many artists at Ferus become practitioners of Zen and other Asian philosophies.

Part 1) Describe Zen and these other Asian philosophies. Why do these artists become practitioners of these Asian philosophies?

Part 2) How do these philosophies affect these artists? How do these philosophies specifically affect their art? Why?

Part 3) What beliefs do you have about life? How do these beliefs influence your thoughts and actions? Is this a positive influence? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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