Eugenie (Yu Hsuan) Hsueh
Timea Tihanyi
Art 260 2016 Autumn
Module 1: Out of the Box
Using minimal process for maximal change as the guiding principle, by making small changes to the box, I was able to create something that is completely different yet still resembles the original shape. Interested in monumentality, I wanted to make something to resemble my own interpretation on monumentality, even though my piece is a little small to be considered a monument. The concept was to create a structure that is dynamic both on its own and with outside sources.
The change of shape and scale, from square to rectangular-like, adding to its volume, makes it more dynamic along with the cut outs in the middle. When viewers look at the work, from different angles, they will be getting a different view but will also have the chance to see through each space. Inspired by Robert Morrison, I began to look at how similar shapes in different sizes affects the views of viewer and how the movement of the work itself creates and adds to the dynamic of the piece. The work itself could stand along as a work of art, however it becomes site specific when the aspect of light and shadow are added to it. I added light to the piece because I was interested in seeing how the interaction between light and the shadow of the cuts and smaller pieces will add to the dynamics of the work.
Reflecting on minimal sculpture, with no complicated form or shape, the work itself,with no outside source, creates a different yet simple fluidity for the work as one could sense some sort of pattern as the work is being turned and viewed from different perspective. From both Tia Kramer and Ann Hamilton, having played with light and shadow in their work, within construction for the former and the event of a thread for the latter, they examined people’s interaction with their piece and their reaction to it while experiencing it. I was intrigued to how light and shadow along could add so much depth to a piece of work. By cutting out space in the middle, the source of light was able to create shadows both within and out of the space. The shadows then are reflected on to the boards on either side, and because of the different scale and shape of the cuts, the shadows look different from every angle. To make it more dynamic and interesting, cut-outs were attached on to different boards and thus creates a whole new shadow onto the board in addition to the original.
By creating a repetition of cuts, I created rhythm within the work itself. Additional to the cuts,the small platform on the bottom was created for rotation, while the work itself cannot rotate on its own, with the small platform, small movements were created. Simply by taking apart the box into halves and cutting out some spaces in the middle, I was able to create a structure that has a similar shape yet completely different in dynamics.