Blog Entry #3
The first two videos are what I think of when I begin to think of artistic installations. Using the space in a traditional way… changing the space in order for the viewer to have a different experience in the gallery. The third video, although cool and definitely an installation, is not played out in the context of a gallery space so it begins to veer from the traditional academic style of showing art. Which I think is really interesting. The Cellular Obsession reminded me of one of Claus Oldenburg’s early works in which he installed everyday objects, handmade from plaster and painted, in a vacant storefront and sold them for how much the object would be worth in a “real” store. He was beginning to think of the role of art objects as everyday objects and visa versa. The artist in Cellular Obsession was also thinking of the practical practice of creating an installation. The viewer in this case becomes a consumer or at least forced to consider him or herself in that role. The art is more readily accessible to people who might normally be intimidated by the sacredness of a traditional gallery space. That being said the artist did a great job of transforming the spatial setting. The materials and structures used really transformed the space and became the space. Although there was an interesting dynamic to the idea of a temporary display using temporary materials and everyday objects, I think the role of the viewer is much more interesting to consider.
In the sound installation the viewer is transformed into a listener. The focus is shifted and the visceral becomes much less important. The room, which is designed in theory for art is designed with the intent that visual art is to be displayed. There was no consideration in the designing of the room for the acoustics in the space. The sound that is delivered in the drops piece is a direct result the artist knowing what sounds the room would produce. The visual aspect does not disappear all together though. I like the anticipation of the next drop falling. Such a long resonating pause between each drop that the next one seems to startle the viewer. The viewer is challenged to rethink his or her ideas about the use of a space. Without the context of the room and the intimacy of one functioning object in the room the experience would not be the same. In the same vein, the work itself changed the meaning of the room, which is a major characteristic in installation art. The whole room becomes the work. This is an example of sculptural installation. The space is not changed or fused with the work in a physical way. It’s one object in a room emitting sounds that do change the room for the viewer in a nonphysical way.
The piece titled “how much is too much?” is focused on changing the space in a visual way like the Cellular Obsession installation only not utilizing the entire space.. This is an example of sculpture-like objects transforming a space. Although the piece is utilizing the structural properties of the walls and is fusing with the space to transform it, there are sculptural elements that seem not to use enough of the space. Sculpture and installation lines can be a bit blurry at times and this is a good example of just such a case. The piece could work similarly in many spaces. The artist needs to think more about the significance of the space. The piece is contained in one area, and although it functions as a distinction from other works in the room it is not really changing the experience in the room. It’s important to remember the way in which we document our work and although I don’t know the intention of the artist in displaying their work, the camera work is distracting and looks like the person operating the camera was also operating a jackhammer… not to mention, the rest of the room seems not to be considered at all. This piece compared to the others fits least the criteria for a successful installation.
