For our fourth trip, we visited the Sculpture Center
in long Island City. The place overall was very interesting. In all of the
works of art exposed, the environment and placement of the particular artwork
had everything to do with the presentation and connection of the piece to the
artist, the artwork as a whole and its viewers. This technique is called installation where artist uses to create
a huge impact on a piece of artwork and the surroundings. The exhibition,
"Bill Bollinger: The Retrospective was installed both on the main floor
and downstairs. Bill Bollinger considered the dimensions of the space and many
unique architectural elements. The
exhibition was interesting because site-specific also played a role in the
artworks shown; a particular space and interacted with the surrounding. As my
professor advised, I selected three works of art that were shown at the
exhibition to discuss, “Wheelbarrow,” “Cyclone Fence,” and “Rope Piece.”
“Wheelbarrow,” was the
first work of art that instantly captured my attention. I caught myself intrigued
by the function and the settle atmosphere of this piece. It was positions in a
large space in front of a large door. At first I recalled the importance of
this machine. A wheelbarrow is a machine that helps is move heavy objects from
one place to another, so by placing this piece of art in a huge space allows
one to appreciate the function of this design. The empty space gives the work
of art more value.
"Cyclone
Fence" was a wonderful artwork at the exhibition that I also considered
eye candy. Placed in the middle of the museum, the "Cyclone Fence"
was twisted 180 degrees and laid flat. This piece in particular had a unique
architecture. The geometric, industrial material filled up the space in a way
that one can appreciate. Placing this large piece in the middle of the exhibit
provides great value to the space and the art work. The viewer can feel the
intensity and connection between the space and the artwork. The connection
between the space and the work of art just complemented each other and overall
made the site a wonderful one to see.
“Rope Piece” was also
an enjoyable artwork. These works of art consist of a rope that stretched from
the floor to the ceiling and another that stretched from the bolts in the floor
placed within a dark basement. I thought that was pretty clever how the artist
thoughtfully considered the ropes and its interaction with the dimension of the
space and surroundings. From a certain perspective you witness a triangle
formed from the shadows of the rope and the “light play” of this piece; Interesting
and fun piece.
In conclusion, the
clever Bill Bollinger used industrial materials to create an interesting work
of art that also involves the space. He considered the placement of each work
of art and its dimension to form an overall outstanding piece. Bollinger has influenced
me as an artist to use this technique. It forms a stronger impact on its
viewers and leaves one to want more!
Untitled, 1970 (2002)
Bill Bollinger
“Wheelbarrows”
1970
Bill Bollinger
"Cyclone
Fence"
1968 (2012)
Bill Bollinger
"Rope Piece"
1969(2011)
