UWM Mixed Media "Found Object"
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Crumble
April
38.1 X 26.67 X 10.16 cm
This work of art can not be defined by one image. I set up the space emulating my inspiration Rachel Whiteread, then left my found object in my backyard purposefully so that it could be exposed to the elements. I also knew that it was going to rain, so I took advantage of this. The piece shows the conflict between society and nature, specifically our infrastructure made of money in america. While it appears to be solid, it crumbles to mother natures power.
April
38.1 X 26.67 X 10.16 cm
This work of art can not be defined by one image. I set up the space emulating my inspiration Rachel Whiteread, then left my found object in my backyard purposefully so that it could be exposed to the elements. I also knew that it was going to rain, so I took advantage of this. The piece shows the conflict between society and nature, specifically our infrastructure made of money in america. While it appears to be solid, it crumbles to mother natures power.
Planning
Starting With the idea of using fake money, I wanted to figure out what configuration the dollars would be in. I stuck to with the idea that the fake dollars should be kept in stacks. The question was how do I arrange the stacks. after playing around with different placements, and looking at Rachel Whiteread I chose the idea to use a cube configuration for the money. When thinking of what to put the money on, instantly I thought silver platter. I first gathered the supplies from a party store. As soon as I got the materials, my head filled with ideas. While this was great for finding meaning, I had to stay on target, and not lose the main point of the found object.
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Process/Meaning
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First starting with the platter, I obtained this at a party store for about ten dollars, I didn't need a real silver platter of course, but I wanted something with the same look. The money that I used was also symbolic, I specifically chose the twenty dollar bill because it is the most used bill, further relating to the deeper meaning of the piece. The silver platter wasn't going to be the background, it was going to be apart of the piece. I started the process by placing the stacks of twenties in a square configuration, this allowed for all the faces to show, and to create a superficial bond. next I did this for the rest of the money. Then I stacked each layer on top of each other trying to keep it as precise as possible. I even used a ruler to push the stack around. Finally I had to make sure to center the cube that I had created. it was crucial that the organization of the composition was as symmetrical as possible. The intentional balance added to the meaning of superficial power. The fake quarters I arranged around the platter, four in total, again for balance. A small yet important detail is that All of the quarters are facing away from the money. Society outcasts the poor whether it be intentional or not, and the lesser than quarters are distant from the majority in the middle.
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Inspiration
Rachel Whiteread uses form to express meaning. I took this Idea into my piece as well. Whiteread's form, and texture does the "talking" rather than any use of saturated color. My piece followed the minimal color style of Whiteread, only being three colors visible metallic silver, white, and black. I felt it was necessary to keep the color pallete simple. I learned a lot just by looking at some of Rachel Whiteread's work. I wanted to copy her ability to create different meaning through form, and I think I was successful. One thing that i didnt follow was the scale. The scale of Rachel Whiteread's art is much bigger than my project, which is partly because of the material. However I was also confined by the fact that I didnt have a wide open space. But I am still satisfied with the size of my piece, I feel it fits the size of the available background space.
Reflection
What I thought I Did WellMy piece was able to capture many deep meanings that were all connected. I felt that I succeed in creating a piece of art that makes you think. Money, and obsession go hand and hand. I am glad that I was able to convey my message in a new and exciting way. Money itself can have a message, but I was able to change that message using nature.
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What I Could Improve OnI felt like I was able to capture the deeper meaning that I wanted, but the piece itself could have been improved if I had increased the scale. Power is an important theme, and what shows power more than size. However too big, and nature would be able to push the money around as much detracting from the main message.
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Sources
image- http://58798415-736925968784278091.preview.editmysite.com/uploads/5/8/7/9/58798415/266690289.jpg
image- http://58798415-736925968784278091.preview.editmysite.com/uploads/5/8/7/9/58798415/423538826.jpg
image- http://58798415-736925968784278091.preview.editmysite.com/uploads/5/8/7/9/58798415/423538826.jpg