Sculpture Center Reaction

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)