On Hyperallergic today there is an article focusing on this idea that features work by Susan Jane Walp and Scott Brodie who also turn their artistic eye to objects and scenes in our environment that exist around us, often unnoticed. While Walp makes art about defined subjects such as flowers, bags, etc., Brodie creates compositions of things we normally might not focus on as being beautiful. Plants that obscure the view of the space behind them, as well as collections of common items such as shoes and knicknacks. Cezanne is referenced in the article, reminding me of this quote:
"One day a carrot, freshly observed, will set off a revolution."
Not sure about the power of the revolution, but it does illustrate the artists have the power to focus the viewer on anything, letting the art process be the meaningful part of the art. By paying attention to something, we are framing it for the viewer, making them pay attention, too, if only for a moment. What power. What will you make today? |