Out of context

Comment

Comment by Andrea Roccioletti on January 23, 2015 at 2:42pm

I believe that the search for a narrative sequence is common to all human beings. It 'a form of evolutionary adaptation that serves to survival. I do not think that we choose to use this view, we are inclined to do so.

About the word "comfortable", I have to explain. I think the design is comfortable: it has to "look after" the human being, coming to meet him. The art, however, often is "annoying": trying to get us out of our habits, our common ways of seeing, from our comfort zone. It has to communicate the right part with the left part of the brain.

The context is another concept strongly rooted in our culture. An art gallery is a "context" that gives credit to the work of art. There are other contexts that give a different hint to understand art: think of those hanging on the walls of a restaurant. Finally, what about the works that, in the last century, usually break through the barriers and begin to permeate the network, or are "made" of shares, or collaborations? The art  continuously  goes beyond definitions and containers that we assign. If it does not, is not art but decoration.

Comment by Linda French on January 22, 2015 at 10:56pm

I really do always look for narrative in the art, don't I?

I guess, from what you are saying, that 'comfortable art' might just be art being viewed out of context? Out of the setting/circumstances in which it can be most effective (whether or not the setting is of the artist's intentions).  --Linda

Comment by Andrea Roccioletti on January 22, 2015 at 10:23pm

Yes, the point is: how are we addicted to context, and manipulation of it (as media do on us?) so I think that the art must be (not only, instead) decorative, but also NOT design. Art is uncomfortable. 

Comment by Linda French on January 22, 2015 at 5:16am

You made me work on this series. There really is a meaninglessness when things are dissected and viewed out of context. Even words cannot convey meaning when they are seen (or heard) out of place. Context may not be everything, but it is quite a bit.  --Linda