Monday, June 5, 2017

Chapter 3- Seeing The Value In Art

In chapter 3, the value of art from various perspectives in discussed. One subject talked about in this chapter is public art. Public art is art from any median that is displayed in a public setting for all to see outside of the typical structures art usually resides in
When reading about this, there was one particular piece that came to my mind from my own life experiences. Growing up so close to Philadelphia, the most prominent piece of public art in my life is the Clothespin sculpture by Claus Oldenburg(pictured below).

Claus Oldenburg Clothespin ;Weathering Steel
This piece has been known to confuse many, and leave tourists wondering why there is a giant clothespin in the middle of this historic city. Located at Center square on Market Street, this sculpture is 45 feet tall and a mystery to most. Like many piece of public art however, there is deeper meaning behind it than just aesthetic, beauty an object brings, value. Clothespin was designed to address civic issues such as the income gap. Located above one of the hubs of Philadelphia's underground system, it would bring both lower income people and wealthy business men together to pause and look at this giant piece of art.

Another piece of art in the city I call home is considered valuable for a very different reason. The Philadelphia Museum of Art holds some of the world's most sought after artists. One piece, which we talked about in our text, Nude Descending A Staircase No. 2 by Marcel Duchamp is located here.This is an example of chrono-photography, or pictures of time. It's almost like a time lapse! This piece is valuable for many reasons but one discussed in the text is the reception of a piece. How a work of art is received and understood by the general public can make a difference in it's value.
 Nude Descending a Staircase No 2 Marcel Duchamp
Marcel Duchamp Nude Descending A Staircase No. 2  Oil on Canvas
This piece has many similarities and differences to the earlier sculpture. Although the modes are different, both pieces do use a similar color scheme. Both use neutral colors to express what they mean. The colors are also realistic to the subject matter they choose to represent. They also both draw inspiration from humans and the life around them. Both use the power of positive and negative space. The main subject, or positive space, draws in your eye but the negative space around it is what makes it powerful.These pieces of art are so very different but are both very valuable and have many similarities as great art.

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