Home as Situation
Contributor:
Missouri State University, Dept. of Art + Design
PROJECT INFORMATION FOR EDUCATORS
Where?
Course Level
Why?
Conversation points for instructors
3D Foundations, Beginning - Advanced Sculpture
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This project is designed for remote learning.
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It addresses material resourcefulness, site specific installation, and alternative exhibition venues.
Acknowledgements:
This project was inspired by Jessica Stockholder’s, Installation in my Father’s Backyard, 1983
PROJECT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
What?
Project Prompt / Challenge
This assignment introduces strategies of material resourcefulness and spatial sensitivity as a means to create work for a location that is not the traditional gallery setting. Using only materials sourced from your living space, create a sculpture (or sculptural installation) that engages a particular site in your home or on your property. There are no size limitations, as this project will be presented outside the usual academic local.
How?
Strategy
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Being limited to only resources at hand, students start by evaluating material options and consider how they can be transformed into an artwork.
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Students are asked to reconsider their environment because everything is a potential art material – furniture, old toys, the contents of a desk, etc.
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Students must determine what tools are needed to make the work.
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Students must also consider the location they intend to install their work, noting the formal qualities and atmosphere of the space since these factors will inform composition and meaning.
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The instructor should provide a slide lecture / screen-cast providing examples of artists working under this philosophy. What does a successful work look like?
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It’s helpful to assign readings and videos that further student comprehension of the assignment objectives.
Materials:
Only material and objects found at home or on the student’s property.
Timeline:
3-5 weeks
FURTHER SUPPORT INFORMATION
Online / Video Resources:
https://www.artspace.com/magazine/art_101/book_report/sarah-sze-okwui-enwezor-interview-53754
https://art21.org/watch/art-in-the-twenty-first-century/s3/jessica-stockholder-in-play-segment/
Inspirational
Artists:
Jessica Stockholder, Sarah Sze, Mark Manders, Rodney McMillian (specifically carpet paintings)
Additional Tips:
This project is best introduced after students have experienced working with found objects, deconstruction, and assemblage, and understand the aims of site-specific work.
