Nichole's reading assignment 1

To approach a critique with the preset knowledge of formal standards, would be to diminish the meaning of the art work. We can use this knowledge of "shape, color, spatial relations, and materiality" to assume, but we must think deeper. There is an inherent sense to the art making process. The process starts with an idea, and thus this idea is carried out. There are many ways to perceive a work of art, as there also are many different art works to perceive. The ability to understand artwork formally is helpful, yet a sense of modernism, is understanding the "essence" of the work and process, brings us into the current times of art.
Art in the contemporary world has come afar from the past decades. The challenge to be a realist, is no longer a necessity, though considered a praiseworthy skill. Abstraction and representation have broke the most simple criteria to past artworks, though this criteria is the basis of the evolving of art. For instance, sculpture, can be viewed in multiple ways. First off, there are many different types of sculpture. Singular, multiples,expanding, room encompassing, suspended or propped- the list continues. Then there is the material, size, process, appearance, content, concept, space it resides, orientation, and more. All these elements are chosen by the artist.
The artist makes a choice to work a certain way to satisfy their idea. When created, the artwork stands in a certain way that hopefully creates a response in the viewer. When we critique a work we must take all these elements into consideration. The formal elements of artwork no longer suffice the proper dialogue to a critique. We must find reason in all elements, and determine or assume there meaning. Our assumptions may be based on our association with the piece, and thus brings up the point that we may view art work in a subjective manner. I find this subjective manner to be natural, in that we can only challenge our thoughts by what we already know. This is when the advantage of critiquing in a group of multiple individuals is important. The combination of minds is a powerful asset to human existence, and especially in the education system, to share our thoughts and knowledge in these situations.
The reading gave me a sense of what is possible in sculpture, reminding me of the multiple ways to pursue a piece of work. I do feel as though I am struggling with ideas for a 2nd project, in that the materials and methods we are using are somewhat new to me. I feel that once I finish my first project, I will feel much more liberated to begin thoughts on the 2nd project. For my first project I have now thought of the importance of how I will hang my piece. This work with either be suspended, or propped. Either way it will hold a place above the horizon line. I must think of the best way to present it.