Junk Art
Contents
Introduction 2
History of Junk Art Sculpture 4
Chapter 1: Junk sculptors 8
Chapter 2: Interview 1 16
Chapter 3: Interview 2 23
Summary 27
Introduction
From 5000 B.C to well into the 20th century A.D, most sculpture has reflected the wealth, religion or political stature of the country. Early Egyptian sculpture reflected the political regime of the land, and powerful ‘Pharaohs’ demanded monumental sized tombs and artefacts to show their wealth and status. At the end of the 7th century B.C the Greeks perfected castings of the human form to depict Gods and historical religious figures, installing pride and hope within their followers. In Japan, massive sculptures proved the country’s devotion to religion and faith, but also reflected its domination of people. All forms of sculpting were so aesthetically pleasing e.g. gold, marble and bronze etc…, intricately detailed, and nearly all commissioned by people of power. So why in recent years have artists been discarding the skills and beautiful detail of previous forms of sculpture, in favour of using ‘junk’ materials, useless in terms of their original functions they were created for? Modern Sculpture now seems to be the random collage of forgotten scrap, or is there deep intellectual thought into the selection of these discarded materials?
There are still modern artists and sculptors who create intricate body forms and get commissions to demonstrate the mastering of their skills in art, but their art is not is not ‘mainstream’ and it doesn’t win the prestigious ‘Turner prize’ or get placed in the “Tate modern.” Instead an old washing machine or an unmade bed causes the masses to turn their heads in wonder and thought.
What I want to find out is why junk materials play such a big role in modern sculpture? How do these materials help to carry a message when “arranged?” To help me in my quest for knowledge I shall try to contact artists with
Introduction 2
History of Junk Art Sculpture 4
Chapter 1: Junk sculptors 8
Chapter 2: Interview 1 16
Chapter 3: Interview 2 23
Summary 27
Introduction
From 5000 B.C to well into the 20th century A.D, most sculpture has reflected the wealth, religion or political stature of the country. Early Egyptian sculpture reflected the political regime of the land, and powerful ‘Pharaohs’ demanded monumental sized tombs and artefacts to show their wealth and status. At the end of the 7th century B.C the Greeks perfected castings of the human form to depict Gods and historical religious figures, installing pride and hope within their followers. In Japan, massive sculptures proved the country’s devotion to religion and faith, but also reflected its domination of people. All forms of sculpting were so aesthetically pleasing e.g. gold, marble and bronze etc…, intricately detailed, and nearly all commissioned by people of power. So why in recent years have artists been discarding the skills and beautiful detail of previous forms of sculpture, in favour of using ‘junk’ materials, useless in terms of their original functions they were created for? Modern Sculpture now seems to be the random collage of forgotten scrap, or is there deep intellectual thought into the selection of these discarded materials?
There are still modern artists and sculptors who create intricate body forms and get commissions to demonstrate the mastering of their skills in art, but their art is not is not ‘mainstream’ and it doesn’t win the prestigious ‘Turner prize’ or get placed in the “Tate modern.” Instead an old washing machine or an unmade bed causes the masses to turn their heads in wonder and thought.
What I want to find out is why junk materials play such a big role in modern sculpture? How do these materials help to carry a message when “arranged?” To help me in my quest for knowledge I shall try to contact artists with