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Created: February 6, 2004
Latest Update: February 6, 2004
jeannecurran@habermas.org
takata@uwp.edu

Abstract Art and Meaning and Expression

Site Copyright: Jeanne Curran and Susan R. Takata and Individual Authors, February 2004.
"Fair use" encouraged.

This piece on abstract art is based on an alert sent me by ArtScene. The artists whose work is represented here express a very different view from that of conceptual art. They are content to let there art work speak on its own, without the conceptual context within which it was created.

1. Could we understand this difference between viewpoints better if we thought in terms of interpassivity and interactivity?

2. Does abstract art have a role to play in our Naked Space Exhibit? Does it have a social message? Does it have a message?

3. To what extent do abstract art and conceptual art differ in their understanding of the "artist as author?" Is there a text? What is the text? Who creates the text? Is the creation interactive? What is the responsibility of the viewer in creation, if any?

4. How might this relate to our use of photo essays in sociology? Are the photos like abstract art or conceptual art? Is there really an answer to that question? Should there be?

   
   (l.) Desiree Engel UNEARTHED, 12" x 8" x 8" Ceramic, 2004 (r.) Desiree Engel WINGS 1, 14" x 18" x 3" Ceramic, 2003

   
   Wong Sil Kim FLOATING, 75" x 85" x 30" Fabric, Rods, Cardboard, 2004

   Exhibition at 57 Underground. Review the artists statements with these samples from the exhibit to answer the above questions.

   More soon. jeanne