Bricolage

bri·co·lage

• (in art or literature) construction or creation from a diverse range of available things.

• something constructed or created from a diverse range of available things.

Objective:

One object or object arrangement is to be constructed or elevated in a creative way from commercial/found objects into art objects.

Description:

We will be wrapping and/or assorting and/or constructing (choose one or all) readymade objects in a way that can mean something for us as artists. I am asking that you use what you have learned from art 21 artists and through our in-class discussions and critiques in order to come up with this new meaningful object. And the biggest rule for this project is that you should be modifying our basic assumptions that we have for the objects you choose.

To assemble or organize objects is a task that can force us to observe things with more detail, which is a good start. Even better is constructing new sculptures using these same objects which can begin to share our intention and associations with the viewer. By homogenizing the whole piece (say... paint things all one color, or organizing based on texture) it helps us take it away from its original context. Also, by suggesting opposing/complimentary objects you can start to build a unique narrative.

Building off of what we know:

We've been looking for found objects in "goodwills", in our immediate environments, and in our homes. We have begun to arrange objects and inquire about their purpose and meaning to US.  According to contemporary artist studios there are a few ways of looking and constructing with readymade objects such as:

• the way Nick Cave constructs sound/armored suits out of thrifted materials

• the way Tom Sachs builds "spacecraft" (things that transports viewers) with the things and tools that he also uses in daily life

• the way Damien Ortega plays with the orientation and multiplication of everyday objects.

Possible Directions:

• mend a contemporary object (that might otherwise  be considered non-operational or obsolete)

• cover in some material that masks its prior desirable silhouette or exterior (tape or other textile)

• sew a textile form around all or part of the object

• dissect in such a way as change the associations the form once generated

• invert/ upend/ reverse/ turn form inside out

• remake a form from different, readily available components such cardboard, paper, glue and fabric.