Claes Oldenburg.
Oldenburg (born in Sweden) is a pop artist that creates large scale models of everyday objects. He often tries to replicate these objects accurately using various materials on a colossal scale. I was definitely intrigued by his work due to his use of scale and color. I feel that what works best in his work is definitely how he uses the sheer size of has pieces to shock the audience.
For example, one of his most famous works (shown below) is a large scale spoon and cherry. two simple and instantly recognizable items used to create a striking sculpture.
Spoonbridge and Cherry (1988).
Another example of Oldenburg’s large scale work is “Shuttlecocks (1992). Once again Oldenburg has used an extremely recognizable object on a large scale to create an eye catching and vibrant piece.
Shuttlecocks (1992).
Although Oldenburg’s large scale works are extremely impressive I was more intrigued by his soft sculptures. I enjoyed the idea of traditionally textured/solid everyday objects being transformed into a soft sculpture. This inspired me to experiment wit soft materials within my own sculpture project ( the soft foam ear).
An example of one of Oldenburg’s work is shown below.
French Fries and Ketchup (1963).
One of my favo rites of Oldenburg’s soft sculptures was the “Ghost Version” of the soft light switches he created.
Soft Light Switches “Ghost Version”(1964-71).
With this particular piece I feel as if the soft sculpture is so close to the original- due to the fabric, the color and the delicate construction- only this version is slightly distorted due to the materials used.
I really enjoy Oldenburg’s use of textiles and sculpture working hand in hand to create these soft sculptures. I also enjoy the fact that Oldenburg has made these pieces simple just for artistic purposes. They do not have a function – as the original object would- they are simply each a work of art.
I am extremely inspired by Oldenburg’s use of materials and scale. I hope to incorporate this into future sculpture projects.
Tony Cragg.
Cragg was born in Liverpool in 1941. He fist studied at the Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology, and later went on the study sculpture at The Royal College of Art in London.
The thing I found most interesting about Cragg’s work was how the movement in each piece varies. Some pieces seem to flow as if a liquid however, others are stagnant and rigid.
Mean Average (2014).
While researching Cragg’s work I discovered that he often tried to create a relationship between natural materials and man made structures. In an interview with WHITEWALL Cragg stated “ There’s certainly an awareness of the relationship of the geometric forms and organic forms. We seem to think of them as being two different aesthetic groups of objects, but the truth is that even our own bodies, our figures, do not and would not function without geometry—in our cells, molecules, bone structures, organs. It shows that relationship between the dichotomy. It’s also about the idea of an emotional quality and unemotional quality.”
This definitely gave me more insight into his sculpture process. I admire how he connects organic and geometric form through his pieces.
Wirbelsäule ; the articulated column.
Above is one of my favorite pieces by Cragg. It appeals to me as it reminds me of the art of stone stacking. I admire how Cragg has been able to create movement with a material and concept that relies on little to no movement to work.
I also enjoy the scale of these pieces. Although not monumental like Oldenburg’s pieces they stand out without looking out of place in their chosen settings.
Man Ray.
Although Ray sees himself as a painter first and foremost, I wanted to take a closer look at his photography. He was a renowned fashion and portrait photographer.
Les Larmes
Between 1920 and 1940, RAy made his living from commercial fashion photography for the likes of Vanity Fair, French Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, as well as some of Paris’s most famous designers. These photographs have had a lasting impact on fashion photography thanks to Man Ray’s refusal to stray from his artistic ambitions, regardless of the form they took. As a number of his portraits, including the seminal work Glass Tears (Les Larmes)- shown above.
Above are some other photographs taken by Ray. I think what appeals to me most about his photography is his consistency and style. It is easy to tell that each of these images have been taken by the same person. Each is cohesive with one another but can also stand alone as its own image.
Robert Billingham.
Richard Billingham was born on the 25 September 1970 in England. His work is most well known for being personal as it is mostly based on his parents (Ray and Liz) within their home in the West Midlands.
Richard is best known for documenting his fathers alcoholism in a series of photos titles “Ray’s a laugh” (1996). These photos also often include Liz – his mother.
I have included some of my favorite photos rom this collection below.
In all of Billingham’s photographs there is a certain vulnerability and rawness. I really enjoy this about his work as it truly is a look inside his life. I feel that this is the reason why Billingham’s work is so successful. As human we always want to see what everyone else’s life is like. We are curious… or maybe just nosy. Either way I feel that Billingham’s willingness to be so real and vulnerable with his audience plays a big role in his success.