Introduction
Often times things around us, are classified under set and specific functions and purposes. For instance a glass is used for drinking. What we all normally do not realize is that, things do not seem to be what they are all the time. A glass is used for drinking, yes but what if the actual purpose of the glass was not for drinking but instead perhaps, listening or watching. In other words, things around us could have different purposes or meanings depending on your point of view, concept.
This brings us to the question, what is concept? Concept is an abstract thought which is conceived in the mind. It can also mean giving an unexpected or unusual function, purpose or meaning different from its original functions, purpose and meaning.
This term, concept is one which is being applied in art today, hence the existence of conceptual art or conceptualism. This art form was as a result of a movement amongst many others, which sprung out in the twentieth century. Most works of this art form are often described as installations. Examples of prominent artists who employed this art form are Marcel Duchamp and Joseph Kosuth. Though this art form seemed interesting to some people, others think otherwise.
However I employed this method of art in some of my modules this semester after studying about what this art form entails. Relating this technique to my other modules, I was able to make a few conceptual objects of my own. One of them is, a lamp made of pegs. The idea or concept behind this lamp is what we are going to discuss and I am going to explain to you the various processes that I employed in the making of the lamp.
The lamp
Forms was one of my module tasks for this semester for design studio conceptualization. For this task, I was required to find object and basically give it a different form or look. Initially it was a bit of a struggle for me but in the long run I was able to find some pegs and also an idea of the new form to give it.
Why pegs?
Pegs are often used to hold clothes after washing. They are normally wooden, metal or plastic. I chose to use plastic and very bright colored pegs. I realized that pegs are items people do not really find other uses for, so I made it my intention to find other purposes for it.
The concept
The concept behind the use of the pegs is that due to its light weight nature and bright colors, it in a way, for me had a connection to light. Due to this fact I decided to make a lamp out of it.
The items
I first got myself quite a number of bright pegs all of the same kind. I also purchased a styrofoam bowl, a small glass, some candles and masking tape. I also found some rope and spray paint.
Process
First I cut out the middle part of the styrofoam bowl and used another one as the base. I joined the two together using masking tape. This was to make the middle part firm.
After I stuck the pegs round the cut out middle part of the styrofoam bowl and then stuck more pegs on the others to give it a spherical look almost like an egg cracked open from the top.
Then I put my candle in the glass and placed it in the middle inside of the pegs. This was going to serve as the light source of the peg lamp.
Next , I sprayed the base of the lamp with the spray paint. I also tied a rope around the pegs to hold them firmly in place.
The last thing I did was to light up the candle to see how my work looked like and yes it was amazing.
Other concepts
After making the lamp, I seemed to see it from different angles. I realized that it could be used in an Indian house for the burning of incense. I also noticed I could put my stuff such pencils, pens, erasers amongst others in the lamp if I should take the candle out.
This made me excited since I was able to see different angles of the master piece I had made and the different purposes and functions I could give it aside its intended purpose.
Before I could come out with my final work, I went through various kinds of processes. First I had to check and research on what exactly I wanted to do. I also experimented using other items, to see if I was going to achieve the same results. I had to plan and make sketches of the final form of my work.
Experience
This experience was not an easy one. It involved a whole lot of thinking and experimenting. It was time consuming and demanded a lot of money. Aside these it took a lot of imagination and creativity to in its processes. However this task was fun. Though a little difficult it encouraged a lot of critical thinking. I was able to also research and find the uses of pegs aside its aesthetic uses.
Why practice conceptual art?
Conceptual art helps an individual build on his thinking skills. This is to say it makes a lot of room for the use of critical thinking. It also helps an individual broaden his or her creative scope and provides us with the ability to look at the world from a whole new different point of view. This art also make us understand the fact that each and every person has a different point of view about a particular matter depending on the situation.
Conclusion
Conceptual art is not just an art movement. It is not as repulsive as others may seem to put it. It is rather a platform for creativity. It more of intellectual and in many instances an improved sense of logic reasoning. However it should be noted that though an artist can take a glass of water and call it air, the observer might have a different concept and might just prefer to call it a car.
Reference
1. Figure 1. Budu-Manuel, M.(2014) Pegs
In possession of : The author
Legenda University College
2. Figure 2. Budu-Manuel, M.(2014) Final product
In possession of : The author
Legenda University College
Peter Osborne, Conceptual Art: Themes and movements, Phaidon, London, 2002. p. 28
fig 1
fig 2
No comments:
Post a Comment