Curate My Space

Introduction

Curate My Space is a project where we curate a certain space with existing objects in three different ways to provide three different experiences utilizing what we learned about space and installation art.

I-A-E Framework

To understand installation art better, we looked into the logic of "Ideas, Arrangements, and Effects (I-A-E Framework)".  It's believed that ideas are embedded within social arrangements, which in turn produce effects.  Thus, when utilizing a certain space, not necessarily just for installation art, there is huge potential to create different experiences and feelings for viewers/participants by making certain arrangements.

"Locating the Viewer"

As discussed in the booklet "What is Installation Art",  the artists often arrange the space through a considered awareness of the viewer.  To have ideal effects on the viewers, it's essential to match the arrangements with the ideas. For this curating project,  I tried to look into the space from the perspective of a visitor, from what they see to how they feel and arranged the objects accordingly.

Gesamtkunstwerk

Richard Wagner created the notion of Gesamtkunstwerk to stress how a comprehensive art environment should consider architecture, ambiance, and even the audience itself.  In my project, I also tried to look at the environment from more perspectives including spatial placement, lighting, and sound.

My Space

I picked this corner in our school gym where people usually practice Muay Thai, boxing, karate, etc. The existing objects include boxing gloves, knee pads, elbow pads, belly pads, some tissue provided by the gym, and a blanket I have in my locker. Below are the three different versions of this place for different purposes.

Sports

Due to the fixed design of this site, practicing sports is a pretty straightforward activity to participate in.  A pair of boxing gloves are placed to encourage self-practice utilizing the punch bag. In addition to that, the color temperature of the lighting is adjusted to be around 5000K as the recommended degree for sports settings, mimicking natural daylight and enhancing visibility for players.  (The designed capacity is one person)

Rest

 As this space is located at the corner of the room, it could be a cozy place to have some rest as we somewhat share the view of a corner as a space for protection and repose—cuddling and warming of the spirit. The curved kick pad is a perfect material as a pillow cooperating with the soft blanket from NYUSH. The specially designed floor is bouncy but not too soft, thus comfortable and good for your spine.  Lighting-wise, the brightness is adjusted to its minimum index in order to guarantee high-quality sleep.  (The designed capacity is one person)

Confession

In a weird sense, this place has the potential to provide a good environment for a confession between two people. With the punch bag in between, two people can sit in front of each other without seeing the other's face so maybe some words that are not easy to say to one's face can be said.  Also, sitting as a relatively relaxed position can provide a more comfortable experience. Considering that things that are hard to confront can make people emotional, two elbow pads are provided to hold, some tissue is provided for potential tears. Additionally, two participants can hug the bag together as a warm connection if they like. Last but not least, the lighting is adjusted to be relatively dark and no external sound should be allowed during the process.  (The designed capacity is 2)

Reflection

• I feel that more objects could be introduced to the space in order to build up certain atmosphere instead of only placing functional objects like I did.

• Due to how I arranged the space there were a lot of limitations, from the activity to the capacity. I wonder how can I enrich that space with more possibilities.

Reference

https://resources.saylor.org/wwwresources/archived/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Installation-art.pdf

https://imma.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/what_is_installationbooklet.pdf

https://nonprofitquarterly.org/ideas-arrangements-effects-systems-design-and-social-justice/

https://tfcgym.com.au/muay-thai-heavy-bag-workout/

https://www.google.com/imgres?

https://www.nationalled.com/customizing-sports-lighting-class-requirements/

https://theexaminedlife.org/the-unlikely-strength-of-corners