Device: an exploration of interior and exterior space as an aspect of interactive sculpture
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Richard Eric Conn (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- Marya Roland
Abstract: This thesis and accompanying exhibition is an investigation of the nature of
observation and the importance of audience interaction and response when presented with
a challenging art object. The objects or "devices" in this exhibit form a dichotomy of
attraction and repulsion through the evocation of fear and curiosity. As aspects of this
exploration the exhibit addresses the significance of the display space and how our
awareness of interior and exterior defines viewer response and the observation processes.
Through an examination of the protocol established by gallery convention I determine
how to recontextualize the space to stimulate interaction with my work. This work also
addresses the passive- active observation process and the relationship it has to both
audience perception and the definition of a contained space.
With references to the Fluxus movement and the work of artists Allan Kaprow,
and Robert Morris, this thesis addresses art that requires active investigation and
participation by the viewer in order for the work to be complete. Devices created for the
exhibition challenge interaction and manipulate the observation process of the audience.
These devices function as private interactive spaces dividing the gallery into interior and
exterior spaces. Integrated into each device is a canvas enclosure that allows for only one
participant at a time to experience the interaction. Within these cells or personal refuges
the viewer is challenged by the nature of this restrictive/contemplative space and his or
her relationship to it. My work relates to that of Gregor Schneider in his manipulation of
the domestic space with the inclusion of the human form. I also find connections to my
work in the works of Bruce Nauman and Arthur Ganson.
The gallery space in conjunction with the devices divides active from passive
viewers. Active viewers or participants access the interior of the devices and interact with
the mechanisms that are hidden beneath the canvas enclosure. This same enclosure forms
the interior space and creates the divide from the common space of the gallery. The active
participant is also limited to observation of the interior of the space and to the events
created by the mechanism, which he or she may operate. This mechanism is only visible
to them. The exterior of the device and the explicit effect of its operation are visible only
to the passive viewers. From the exterior, the passive viewer receives only information
that passes through the shroud via sound, movement against the fabric or those elements
that penetrate the fabric all together. The same shroud that masks the mechanism and
creates the private display space hides the head of the active participant. As a result of
this integration of participant and sculpture the active participant will appear as an
inextricable part of the device to those viewing from outside. It is my intention that the
viewer become aware of the container or space into which each event is occurring, the
private space of each device and the container of the gallery space as a whole.
Ultimately these devices become proxies for me. As a result they become
representative of the vulnerable nature of my art making process. The fear and curiosity
response by the viewer is reflected back by the object and is emblematic voyeuristic
relationship between artist and viewer.
Device: an exploration of interior and exterior space as an aspect of interactive sculpture
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Created on 11/1/2010
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2010
- Keywords
- Interactive, Kinetic, Sculpture
- Subjects
- Audiences in art
- Installations (Art) -- 21st century -- Exhibitions
- Sculpture, Modern -- 21st century -- Exhibitions
- Sculpture, American -- Exhibitions