Sol LeWitt
Title
Introduction: A brief introduction to the topic
this may include (whichever is applicable)
the process by which the work is created, emerges or evolves
Creation
Sol LeWitt’s works are based on written instructions rather than handcrafting. He creates a set of rules, and others execute them. He acts as the “architect” rather than the maker.
Emergence
Since the final appearance depends on the executors, each creation varies slightly. This gives the work a sense of “emergence,” like generative art.
Evolution
LeWitt’s works can be erased and recreated in different spaces. Each iteration may differ based on the space, the executors, and materials, making the work dynamic, not static.
visual, technical, and material features-
Often used lines, ratios, patterns, formulas to create his artwork
Artwork varied from 2D to 3D
forms of interaction
Creator and Executor Interaction
LeWitt provides the rules, and executors follow them. The slight differences in execution make each version unique, similar to how code runs with slight variations.
Work and Environment Interaction
His murals interact with the exhibition space—factors like wall size, light, and color affect how the work is perceived, creating a dialogue between the work and its environment.
the artist’s intentions, views, background, methods, inspirations
Born to Russian Jews (who immigrated to America) in 1928 in Hartford, Connecticut
Grew up without a father
Father died when he was 6
Mother was the one who encouraged him to follow art as his own interest
First few jobs were in NYC in the 50s as a graphic designer for magazines or architects
Work in an architects office inspired him with his own art
He would come up with idea and create a set of simple instructions that he would then give to his assistants who would then create the art in that way
Each artwork would be different based on the interpretation of the instructions
This is really what he’s most known for, the “wall drawings”
In the 60s, he became really interested in geometric shapes or patterns
Squares, rectangles, etc.
conceptual or historical context
Mid 1900s
His art style is considered to be minimalist and conceptual art
Rejected the standards of art at the time
Discussion: Your findings and their connection with Creative Coding.
What’s the significance of the work? What impact does/doesn’t it have?
His artwork adds a certain type of humanity in them
He keeps his instructions clear, but vague enough to where people could have different interpretations of his instructions creating a whole new art piece each time
Adds a layer of drift and uncertainty in each piece
Each wall art can also be taken down and put into another exhibition because it is just painted on a wall
No permanece
What are the connections with the concepts we are learning in CCLab?
His works are similar to coding, in the way that we all have a basic concept of how it works or how to start it, but each coder has their own interpretation of how to get to the end result thus showing everyone’s uniqueness
Each person has their own preferred method or style on how to solve the problem
The basic shapes that we all might use in our pieces are all used differently because we all have a different interpretation of our assignments and how to complete them
What can we learn from it?
The presentation of an artwork is not only about the final display, but more importantly, the elements it conveys and the concepts and rules behind the creative process. The audience forms their own perspectives on these elements, creating an interaction rather than just being instructed. Art is a dynamic and flexible form of emotional expression, not a way to impose aesthetic experiences.
What does the work inspire you to do next?
Lay more emphasis on the process of creating the interactive art project instead of purely focusing on the presentation. The coding part itself does have its aesthetic expression - while reading the code that generates the project, the audience also can relate to the creator on their thoughts.
Leave the concept not that straightforward so that the audience can dig deep into the theme and develop their own reflection on the project.
It makes us reckon that the relationship between art and the audience is a two-way interaction. The audience's participation and interpretation are the continuation of the work's meaning, which also encourages us to think about how to establish a deeper connection with the audience during the creative process.
Individual Conclusion*: Sum up the main points from above, describe your personal point of view, and how your topic may impact your first big project in this course.
*This is the only part you will write individually and should not be the same as your partner’s.