Viewing context refers to the idea of how perceptions of an art piece depend on the placement of the object. Barrett explains, “… if you take a piece of old discarded metal that you find visually interesting because of its shape, color, and texture and place it on a pristine gallery wall, it can be viewed as a work of “found art.” That same piece of metal seen in an alley will be viewed as litter.” This concept refers back to the common saying, ‘art is in the eye of the beholder.’
Internal Context refers to how each detail in an art piece works together to create a big picture. Small details and certain positions of components make the piece what it is similarly. to how each small detail makes up who you are as a person.
Barrett describes the artist’s context as, “…the life history, experiences, and time influencing the person who’s work we are considering.” An artist’s context can be heavily influenced by social and environmental influence as well. The artist’s context gives us a better understanding of why the individual created the piece or gives viewers a glimpse into the artist’s perspective of the world around them. Although many people do not have the same experiences in life, the artist’s context allows people to relate to specific pieces.
I think many art pieces cross over all of these perspectives. In my opinion, film is a great example of a cross over between internal and artist’s context.
Subject matter I define as the complete image. Barrett referencing a painting by Kahlo, describes from top tp bottom the images she sees on the surface.
Medium can be defined by what type of product is used to create the art and how that relates to the interpretation or meaning of the piece.
Form referring Kahlo’s painting is the soft stokes of the paint, not textured or raised. This can be defined at the technique used to apply the medium.
Contexts can be defined by what the artist’s thought was creating the piece, their background, citations happening in the world at the time the piece was created, etc. Context is similar to background knowledge. Barrett explains Kahlo’s paintings were often small due to her limited mobility.
What is the motivation and purpose of Nancy Holt’s “Sun Tunnels”? Make sure to explain the multiple concepts (all the layered details) she incorporated in this land art installation. The purpose was to give visitors a way to explore the vastness of the Great Basin Desert while also playing off the idea of containment. The tunnels highlighted the rising and setting the sun. They also had various holes to represent the star constellations. She did this to connect her artwork to the idea of the universe.
Explain the land artwork “Time Landscape” by artist Alan Sonifist? Where is it located and what was the purpose or goal of this installation being placed in an urban environment? “Time Landscape” by artist Alan Sonifist is located in New York City. His goal was to connect the large city to its roots of nature. He wanted to highlight what may have existed in the location before city development.
