Art is one of the most broad, difficult, and subjective forms of expression which factors into the difficulty of constructing its definition. Generally speaking, art is the product and process of forming and assembling elements in a certain way that should appeal to one or another’s senses and emotions (Beardsley, Monroe). Now, what is appealing to ones senses may differ to another’s? The subjectivity of art exists due to the dynamics of human nature and culture. Each person has their own view and opinion of what they might see, hear, touch, taste or feel. For example, the age of the Renaissance is connected to the "rebirth" of classical antiquity, the impact of humanism on artists and their patrons, and the transition from the medieval period to the early modern age. This transition artistically moved from religious homage and portrayal to fresco styles, personal devotions, mythological paintings and so on. In other words, as their culture was reborn, so was their art. There are several ways to stir any person’s emotions no matter what cultural background they may have; may it be through music, literature, sculpture, painting, film, or installation art in this case.
References:
beardesley, M. (2007). The Definition of art. Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/art-definition/#TraDef.
Delahunt, M. (2009, jan 1). Installation art. Retrieved from http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/ij/installation.html
Art_chages. [Web]. Retrieved from http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1154/1098221284_79d067cec4.jpg
Installation art is a genre or aesthetics that describes a site-specific, three-dimensional work that is designed to alter ones insight of a certain space. It is an experiment on the community exposed, a radical form of self-expression, and its understanding and acceptance or rejection depends on a sense of self-reliance (Delahunt, Michael). It is a radical form of self expression due to the fact that one is transforming one perception of a space to another. It is of a three-dimensional format that one can experience through all sensory receptors. One can touch and fell what the artist feels or smell or hear. Or, to take the extreme opposition, one’s emotions might not be stirred as another’s might be, just like all kinds of art. Installations can take a variety of forms such as digital-based art, gallery based, electronic based, and web-based. There are an infinite number of possibilities, all depending on the artists aim, concept and motive. All materials can be used as a method of expression such as man-made items, painting, sculpture, and new media such as video, film, photography, performance, audio, and computers (Visual Arts Cork).
Reference:
What is istallation art. (2008, aug 14). Retrieved from http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/What-is-Installation-art/348737/
Jackson, C. (Photographer). (2009). The Bed. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/C4nKdfSDyjD/Will+Ryman+Bed+Art+Installation
The founding father of installation art was Marcel Duchamp with his “fountain” in 1917. Installation artists, then called contemporary artists, were different in a sense that they were more concerned with the presentation of their message rather than the means used to attain it (Visual Arts Cork). In the 1930’s, surrealists often organized and designed exhibitions such that the interior of their galleries suggested an appearance of a “artistic decor” and similarly the German artist Kurt Schwitters was altering the interior of his own house in Hamburg by making it into a junk collage. These surrealists along with Schwitters may be considered as the forerunners of Installation art. Another example may be the infamous and controversial “empty room” by French artist Yves Klein in 1958, which is sometimes considered as the first artistic installation; at the time they were called temporary or contemporary creations. The term installation was coined and widely used and accepted around the 1970’s; installation artists were part of an aesthetic movement which was trying to undermine the fact and idea of art being a collectable (Tiscali).
References:
Installation art. (2009, March 5). Retrieved from http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/ij/installation.html
installaion art. Encyclopedia of irish and world art. Retrieved (2010, March 21) from http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/installation-art.htm
Marcel duchamp's fountain. (1917). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.yoursdaily.com/var/yoursdaily/storage/images/media/images/arts/marcel_duchamp_s_fountain_1917/12187-1-eng-GB/marcel_duchamp_s_fountain_1917_large.jpg
As art is developing, people are appreciating installation art more; however, this kind of art has and still faces lots of criticism. First, though it’s considered to be a conceptual art some times it’s going to extreme cases where it lacks of meaning, "big dark rooms that you stumble into to watch videos? Or empty rooms in which the lights go on and off? Or chaotic spaces brimming with photocopied newspapers, books, pictures and slogans?" (Bishop). Second, critics argued that what installation artists do is the role of architects; since architects have a better academic foundation that give them the opportunity to do such "art" on a more professional level. Third, unlike painting or any other art, a conceptual art piece is temporally. Therefore, after finishing any piece you have to take it apart and all what remains form it is a photo, thus it will loose its main essence, the interaction with people. Finally, form a marketing view point these kinds of work can't be sell.
Reference:
Bishop, C. (n.d.). But is this Installation art?. Retrieved from http://www.tate.org.uk/tateetc/issue3/butisitinstallationart.htm
In conclusion, art is individually perceived; therefore we cannot judge any art piece. Though installation art ay have faced many argument however some people enjoy and appreciate how it makes you work for the concept so you won’t forget the experience. Installation art is nonpermanent; however, it’s more memorable. And though it’s not marketable, however pure art has doesn’t seek profit.
Reference:
Esnal, J. (Photographer). (2007). Paper boat. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.estrafalarius.com/2007/08/27/un-barco-de-papel-de-verdad/
