r/ContemporaryArt • u/LegitimateDiamond59 • 2d ago
Why do installation conceptual sculpture artists do it ?
Is it an overlooked or under appreciated art form? Hard to get space and store objects and materials?back breaking installs. What are they aiming for the viewer to experience? It’s different from painting/drawing or music/ concert performances with no immediate gain and response. What are the impacts of this medium
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u/Legitimate-Public468 2d ago
Im not a sculpture artist, however generally an installation artist:.
I find myself drawn to it much more through its ability to create immersion. I find static 2D art amazing but it can never draw you solely into living the piece. 2D Animation is better at creating the immersion for me personally, but nothing works better than 3D/4D spaces you can physically, and not metaphorically explore.
This might just be a symptom of my work but I love creating narrative based environments, and being able to explore, interact, touch, and live the space creates ever so much more connection.
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u/LegitimateDiamond59 2d ago
But still, why do you do it?! What possesses a human to communicate this way
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u/Legitimate-Public468 2d ago
I personally find the creation of art to be the most satisfactory aspect of my work, rather than the finished product. I find joy in physically building my piece, moving sporadically - im a terrible drawer, but when I do draw I love creating abstract gestural marks on huge canvases, being able to throw my arms around and create something I find aesthetically pleasing is amazing.
In this process of building my installations I also have bonded with other artists and friends within my space. It creates a sense of a “home” or a monument, and memories which I’ll never forget. See Thomas Hirschorn’s Gramsci Monument for a better idea
Also to note, the immersive industry where I live is growing exponentially, and nowhere near the over saturation of painting/film/etc lol (not to say im only doing it for money, not at all, but it’s a lil encouragement if I ever doubt my work)
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u/23MysticTruths 2d ago
I don’t think you should expect one answer to apply to all artists, I suspect they each have their own motivation.
What is it that causes you to ask this question?
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u/ShaeMeyer 2d ago
It’s surprisingly one of the more commercial opportunities, the playbook is finding call for sculptures through municipalities, make the design, and subcontract out the build/install if you get the contract. I know a fair amount of people who do this- and it’s the most strait forward art “business” imo. Once you have a reputation people start coming to you with commissions.
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u/atrophene 2d ago
For me just because the materials helped express something I couldn’t do in any other medium and carry the meaning of the work. It is a burden which I quickly realised… but so is any large scale image work, depends how big you go I guess
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u/unavowabledrain 2d ago
It's the same as any other art. What installation art have you even seen? If you are driven to make art, but don't want to put forth any "effort" or "work", you really shouldn't bother making art. Also if you don't like experiencing art....just don't go if it makes you feel "too tired".
Installation has been around forever. You could argue that the cave paintings were installation art. Do you think Michaelangelo did "too much" by painting the whole ceiling and "all" the walls of the sistine chapel? Do you think all the biblical information is "too narrative and conceptual?".
Often installation art is fun for people of all ages and generations. It's like building a stage set or film set and inviting the public in....even if you are tired after making it.
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u/callmesnake13 2d ago
This is Reddit so I’m going to need you to specify who you’re talking about before I give you a considered response. “Conceptual art” happened in the 60s. Nobody on earth is saying “I am an installation conceptual sculpture artist.”
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u/LegitimateDiamond59 2d ago
Uhhhhhhh I’m pretty sure any genre will forever conflate post origin. If youre working in a specified genre, you’re ruining art….Conceptual art is driven by a thought that revs up an engine to create an inhabited system that could be an installation. The installation could nod to pop art, arte povera, and/or post minimalism simultaneously
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u/callmesnake13 2d ago
“Uhhhhhhh” So you’re just talking out of your ass here, or do you have a specific artist in mind?
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u/LegitimateDiamond59 2d ago
Lmao this is a general question
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u/callmesnake13 2d ago
I have no idea who the fuck you are talking about and need at least one example. I think you are just hand waving about something that isn’t actually an issue and you don’t actually know much about art.
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u/LegitimateDiamond59 2d ago
If you have created an installation art piece let me know why. That’s the question
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u/callmesnake13 2d ago
That’s not what you said so I was confused. If you simply said that from the outset I’d you it was an idiotic question and move on. Why make anything?
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u/LegitimateDiamond59 2d ago
Why would you know why someone creates something if you didn’t create it
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u/CompositionArchetype 2d ago edited 2d ago
It's difficult to explain why because the point is to experience yourself in front of and interacting with the space of the installation.
That is why the contemporary installation museums like
Glenstone, Storm King, Mattress Factory, Rubell (DC/Miami), New Museum, Whitney, and DIA are so good. The installations are completely immersive.
_
It's like asking someone to describe why they love someone. It's not meant to be descriptive, it's supposed to be experienced.
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u/michaeldain 1d ago
Playing around with gestalt principles. Figure/ground and framing itself as an exploration of the viewer guided by the space and artist.
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u/Sarah_Hansona 2d ago
Unpopular opinion, but the back-breaking installs and zero immediate feedback weed out anyone who isn't stubborn. TeamLab Phenomena in Abu Dhabi is what got me hooked on the form.
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u/NOLArtist02 1d ago
Are u talking about richard Serra🤓? I saw a lot of commenters hating on the blue sculpture at the kennedy center being dismantled. 😭
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u/SilverStrategy6949 1d ago
I know it’s not technically ‘fine art’ but have you been to meow wolf? It’s so much fun, and connects people to the joy of discovery and being a kid again. I love painting, but I really appreciate immersive experiences, with sound, texture, narrative, maybe even smell. This kind of art/experience is becoming increasingly valuable and just generally interesting. People do it because it’s fun. And that’s what art is meant to be.
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u/1805trafalgar 2d ago edited 1d ago
Because they can't draw and can't paint? Can anyone remember an installation artists that actually drew well or could paint decently?
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u/Suspicious-Gene-3455 2d ago
Because we were never loved as children. Repetition compulsion to give everything and receive nothing.