What makes a sculpture appealing?
In my opinion sculptures should be emotive; they should say something to the viewer and attract their attention. From my knowledge and research I know that this is not always the case and this is why I decided to do some additional examination of what makes a sculpture emotive.
Emotion and Cognition
Norman (2004) tells us that there are three major dimensions to any design and these are visceral, behavioural and reflective. Visceral concerns itself with appearances, behavioural with the effectiveness and pleasure of use, whilst reflective considers the rationalisation and intellectualisation of the product. Subsequent to this, Norman highlights that these three concepts are further interweaved with emotions and cognition.
‘Emotions are inseparable from and a necessary part of cognition.”(Norman p7 2004)
It would seem that everything that we do and everything that we think is wrapped in emotion and much of this we are not conscious off. Our emotions guide the way we think and how we behave, whilst allowing us to make quick decisions. Cognition interprets and understands the world around us.
As previously stated I recognise that my sculpture must be emotive to appeal to the target audience. How can I make my sculpture ooze emotion, remembering that feeling is reflective of our personal experiences, associations and memories. To develop this concept further I feel that it is necessary for me to consider sculpture that is in the public arena at this time and give thought to how it makes me feel.
Public Art
This is a term which refers to works of art in various forms that has been planned for a specific intention of being established in the public domain. This art is usually outside and accessible to all abilities and disabilities. Public Art the term is recognisable to all professionals in the world of Art. It signifies a specific work in practice with implications of site specificity and community involvement. Historically memorials and monuments have been examples of public art and subsequently, architecture can also belong to this field. More recently, public art has also been seen as street furniture, lighting and graffiti. This type of art can also be, street theatre, dance, possessions etc that are taking place in the public domain.
Sculpture intended as public art is often constructed of durable, low maintenance substances to avoid the affects of weather and vandalism. It is usually installed with the authorisation of the Government or body that owns the land and for some Governments they encourage its creation with a financial incentive.
Like Public Art:
Bent of Mind by Tony Cragg
Virgin Mother by Damien Hirst, Lever House plaza, New York City.
By Antony Gormley at White Cube in London
Dislike Public Art:
Claes Oldenburg and Coesje van Bruggens Bethlehemkirch-Platz, Mauerstrasse, Berlin
by ???
Public Art and Politics
Public Art has often been used for political ends both nationally and internationally. “The most extreme and widely discussed manifestations of this remain the use of art as propaganda within totalitarian regimes coupled with simultaneous suppression of dissent. The approach to art seen in Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Union and Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution in China stand as representative.”
Joseph Stalin
Mao Zedong
At a local level the following sculptures have also caused some disagreement and emotional debate.
UDR man sculpture.
Red Hand for Ulster sculpture on ground of Odyssey.
Consider target audience.
As a designer I have made myself aware of my target audience however, I am realistic and acknowledge that it would be impossible to create one single sculpture that will appeal to all, considering the ages, abilities and states of well being involved. I also acknowledge that my work will be one of many sculptures positioned around the hospital site and making my work appeal to the majority will be my challenge.
My sculpture will be designed specifically for this site. Site specific art is created to exist in a specific place and consideration must be given to the location in all aspects of planning and creation. The term site specific art was promoted by California artis, Robert Irwin. However, the term was first used in the mid 1970’s by sculptors such as, Lloyd Hamroal and Athena Tacha, who had started public commissions for large urban sites. “See Peter Frank site sculptor, Art News Oct 1975.” Site specific Art can also include the landscape so can involve an element of land art.
Land Art
Land Art (Earthworks coined by Robert Smithson) is an art movement which emerged in the United States in the late 1960’s. It highlights the link between the landscape and the work of art and is an art form that is created in nature using nature’s materials. This type of sculpture is different from public art as it is not placed on the landscape but the landscape is the means of their creation.
'Cells of Life' at Jupiter Artland, Edinburgh, by Charles Jencks
Contemporary Design
‘The very existence of the terms fashion, style, mode and vogue demonstrates the fragility of the reflective side of design. What is liked today may not be liked tomorrow.” (p58) In considering this notion, why is it that some work stands the test of time? ……………………………………
Anthropomorphism
Norman has further enlightened me to the understanding that the principles of designing pleasurable, effective interaction between people and products are the very same ones that support pleasurable and effective interaction between people. Through our cognition and emotion we interpret things and this ability is made possible by a human mechanism called anthropomorphism. We are in-fact anthropomorphic towards anything that we interact with and this allows us to we interpret things with emotional judgement and empathy. Subsequent to this, is the fact that if a design is pleasing to the eye and fun, we will interpret it and react positively to it, whilst, if a design is un-sightly and refuses to work properly, it has a negative effect on us.
The Addition of Sound.
For some individuals, the incorporation of sound into a design is most important. Sound can act as a conductor of information that the eye is unaware of. Consider for a moment a sculpture which contains a wind chime like device. This device will alert those at hand that a wind is blowing and from what direction, in other words, sound gives us additional information about things that we cannot see while our eyes are busy elsewhere. However as a deaf student with a cochlear implant, I have a limited awareness of sound. I would favour the addition of sound in my sculpture but due to my limited knowledge of the sounds I hear, I would find it difficult to select sounds which would be appropriate for my work.
The Accessibility of Design
“A major part of the design process ought to be the study of just how the objects being designed are to be used.” (p154 The design of everyday things)
Not only do designers have to consider their target audience, they also have to make sure that their designs are interactive for all who want to explore them. This scenario poses another dimension to the design process, accepting the fact that we are not all the same height, shape, strength and state of well being, how can we ensure that all get equal benefit from the product.
“Fixed Solutions will invariably fail with some people, flexible solutions at least offer a chance for those with special needs.)” p164 The design of Everyday things)
My design will allow interaction by all of my target audience as it will ??????????????????
Books used – The Design of Everyday Things Donald A. Norman MIT Press 1998 USA
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