Month: January 2013

This is an example of a well written Art Report from a previous semester.  Keep in mind that this student was following a slightly different set of instructions–your response will only be about half as long as this example.  Click here to view the Art Report guidelines.

After finding the piece Bondi Beach by Gregor Schneider in the book Art Now on page 424, I was initially reminded of a large dog pound on an otherwise pleasant beach. I became focused on the limited space provided for the individuals inside and immediately was struck by a sense of claustrophobia along with a confusion as to why people would chose to enter the cages. I found it humorous that inside the extremely small spaces were efforts to instill comfort such as an umbrella, air mattress, and trash bag for convenience. The cages are an eye-sore at a beautiful beach, and an inconvenience for those wishing to relax in a calm area; however, people on the sand do not seem to be daunted by the cages. The people inside are content with their position, and those strolling the beach outside the fences do not even look over at the piece. Schneider’s work is a study of human behavior as well as an aesthetically engaging piece.

Objective Description

Gregor Schneider’s Bondi Beach consists of a free-standing connection of metal cages located on a populated public beach. The walls of the cages are twice the height of the average person and are of the standard design used in chain-link fences that are usually used in humane societies. The chain-linked fence allows for those inside to see the ocean as well as those outside to look in on those inside the cages. There are twenty-one cells, each of small dimensions, conveniently equipped with a beach umbrella, air mattress, and trash bag. The installation of these items give those inside a reason to be fully content with their choice of captivation. The number of people inside each cage varies. Some cages are empty, some have one person, and some are overcrowded; however, no one has made the decision to move to the empty cages. Also, there are numerous people freely wandering along the beach outside of the cage.

Technical Decisions

Schneider chose to construct his piece out of common materials which helps to depict a sense of “normality” in his work. Instead of constructing an abstract work, he constructed a common object (a cage) and placed it in an odd environment and altered its purpose. Instead of the cages being located at a local humane society, a knowingly unpleasant area, Schneider placed them at a typically beautiful, free location. Also, he replaced the animals expected to be inside with humans. What is unique about Bondi Beach is that the viewer becomes apart of the work. Whether he or she chooses to enter the cage or remain outside does not matter, either choice the individual makes adds to his piece. The fences are not all that is important, the items inside and the colors selected hold great value as well. The white umbrella attempts to add a mirage of tranquility as the blue air mattress mimics the color of the ocean directly outside of the cage to forge a connection with nature.

The Work in the World

As mentioned earlier, Bondi Beach is a direct reminder of dog cages at humane societies. They work as a confinement for seemingly “useless” things which add nothing substantial to society. Abandoned dogs that are typically in these types of cages are seen as a nuisance until a human, a species of higher rank, selects the dog to aid his or her life through companionship or more simply: entertainment. Schneider’s piece is also a distinct reminder of prisons or jail cells. However, this work deviates from a jail or prison cell in the sense that people willingly enter these cages. At a quick glance, these cages can remind one of internment camps as well; however, this connection fails for the same reason the jail and prison cell connection fails. These people contained in the cages are not confined, they are not restricted, they freely choose to give up their freedom and abandon their ability to wander for the comfort of modern day items.

The Story it Tells

Schneider’s message behind the work is clear: humans have become enslaved by their own creations. He constructed the piece out of previously man-made objects (the fence, umbrella, air mattress, and trash bag.) The man-made fence works as a barrier, the man-made umbrella serves as unnecessary protection, the man-made air mattress becomes luxurious comfort, and the man-made trash bag holds waste from manufactured items. Each of these things symbolizes the ways in which society has over-developed. We produce more than we need, which in turn destroys our natural instincts of survival. We rely on our inventions, even if they rob us of natural beauty, for example the construction of cities and elimination of forests. Even though we may realize we are walking into our own trap, such as the people entering the cages, we cannot deny the comfort that is granted inside.

Your name:  Alexander G. Ororbia II

Your major: Computer Science & Engineering, Philosophy Minor, Mathematics Minor

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus).

Tennis, Bowling, lead guitarist for the Bucknell student band The Wingmen, 3D modeling & animation

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it?

It was a hobby of mine back in high school and I was involved in it to the point of entering competition.  I am interested in mastering professional digital 3d modeling techniques to improve my future work.

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class?

Porting and editing sculpted mesh files into programs for vertex editing, creating low resolution proxy meshes from high resolution vertex sculpt models, using displacement and bump maps (how to texture effectively and realistically using current vertex topology)

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way?

A piece of art is worthwhile or interesting if it speaks to the viewer or conveys a message.  If it draws the viewer in and brings them into a different world of environment and captures his or her imagination.

Email address:
ago004@bucknell.edu

Cell phone number:

570-768-1524

Cell phone service provider:

Trac-Phone (don’t know if I really actually have a “provider”)

Your name: Dana Germano

Your major: Computer Science

 

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus).

I am a scene design technical assistant in the theatre department and I am vice president of Culture Couture on campus. I also TA for Computer Graphics and I am co-E-Week chair this year for the department.

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it?

I am very visual and I thought it would be fascinating to explore creative applications of technology.

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class?

Nothing in particular…

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way?

Good art should inspire some kind of emotional response from the viewer. Whether it evokes anger, sadness, or happiness, good art, to me is as important as any other subject of study because it helps us communicate.

Email address: dlg024@bucknell.edu

 

Cell phone number: 856-266-3831

 

Cell phone service provider: AT&T

 

* please double check your contact info for typos *

Your name: Angel Hernandez

Your major: Environmental Studies/Economics

 

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus).

Speak Up Bucknell, Dance, Club Soccer… etc.

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it?

I took a sculpture class last semester and this seem like an interesting option. I hope to enjoy the creative process of sculpting on a computer… =]

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class?

Not sure… I’ve never used a digital sculpting software

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way?

I think that all art comes from a particular idea or inspiration that gets developed, modified or even change entirely through the making process. That creative process is what makes it interest and worthwhile to me. I love learning about what an artist had to go through in order to finish a piece.

Email address:

aih003@bucknell.edu

Cell phone number:

703 400 6886

Cell phone service provider:

Sprint

Your name: Eric Lynn

Your major: Mechanical Engineering

 

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus).

Ping-Pong, video games,

 

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it?

Interested in CAD and want to know alternate ways of creating forms and shapes. Also seemed a lot more fun than an engineering course, and more productive than a english or history class.

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class?

How to use Rhino to create organic shapes that would be difficult to create in a program like Solidworks. (learn how to use NERBS to edit the shapes)

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way?

Something that is pleasing to the eye and intricate. Hidden meanings would be a bonus.

Email address: eykl001@bucknell.edu

 Cell phone number: 732-500-7159

Cell phone service provider: AT&T

Your name: Jess Tatham

Your major: English and Anthropology double major (potentially studio art minor)

 

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus).

– Women’s Rowing

-Greek life

-Lit mag

 

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it?

I enjoyed Sculpture 1 and am interested in digital modeling and maybe how it pertains to the advertisement industry.

 

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class?

I have no prior digital sculpture experience so I am not sure about specific topics; I am open to it all!

 

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way?

-The piece should cause a reaction of some sort to the viewer

– The artist must feel satisfied they have accomplished their goals

 

Email address: jlt018@bucknell.edu

 

Cell phone number: 9173463343

 

Cell phone service provider: AT&T

Your name: Lindsey Myers

Your major: Interdepartmental Media Studies

 

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus).

Dance Minor

Dance showcase choreographer

ACE

sorority

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it?

My major is focused on all media, but I have a particular fascination with new media. I feel as though with this, both writing skills and digital design and creation are both important aspects of the field (and it will be useful in my future).

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class?

I am taking this class to get a better idea about digital graphics as well as gain even more appreciation for art.

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way?

I really enjoy when art has mulitple meanings or multiple messages to pull from it. As a dancer and choreographer, an artist’s message is typically the most important part of his or her work, and it is important that the viewers can find it, but I enjoy when a bit of searching is involved.

Email address: Lmm034@bucknell.edu

 

Cell phone number: 908-477-7074

 

Cell phone service provider: Verizon

Your name: Nathan Hill

Your major: Mechanical Engineering

 

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus).

I’m in the band, play video games, do lots of homework.

 

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it?

I work with CAD all the time, and learning the organic side of using design software will benefit me in the future. Rendering photo-realistic images is also useful to my work and interesting.

 

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class?

I want to learn about creating organic shapes with specific dimensions if such a thing is possible, as well as have fun with a new program.

 

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way?

A work of art is “good” if it is appealing to some sense of the body. Art can also be “good” if it can effectively convey an idea or feeling.

 

Email address: nmh009@bucknell.edu

 

Cell phone number: 570-954-1866

 

Cell phone service provider: Verizon

Your major: Mechanical Engineering

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus). – Chi Phi Fraternity, Community Harvest, FIRST Robotics, Building interesting things

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it? – I am moderately capable of doing CAD with engineering packages and this seemed to be a good way to round out the more artistic side of digital design.

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class? – I do not know enough about digital sculpture to know what I would or would not enjoy, but I am open to learning new things.

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way? – Art should make the viewer think or should reveal some greater truth beyond the presented material without being an inside joke that only few understand. It should be accessible and interesting to experience.

Email address: jar055@bucknell.edu

Cell phone number: 585-259-9394

Cell phone service provider: Verizon

 

 

Your name: Philip Diefenderfer

Your major: Computer Engineering

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus).

Camping, Climbing, Marksmanship, Archery, Power sports

 

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it?

I am taking this class to learn more about making designs and products more ascetically appealing to a consumer and to learn a new CAD software.

 

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class?

3D printing and how to take something from a computer to a physical object

 

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way?

In my opinion, work of art is interesting if it incorporates multiple fields and not just sculpture   If it includes motion and is interactive or educational, then it is a good piece of art in my opinion.

 

Email address: prd005 AT bucknell DOT edu

Cell phone number: 570-401-0227

Cell phone service provider: Verizon

Your name:

Your major:

 

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus).

 

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it?

 

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class?

 

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way?

 

Email address:

 

Cell phone number:

 

Cell phone service provider:

 

* please double check your contact info for typos *

Your name: Tali Sason

Your major: Computer Engineering

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus).

• Habitat for Humanity
• Tech Desk
• IEEE

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it?

I am really interested digital design.  I have taken architecture classes before and have some experience with CAD and Rhino.  I have not taken many art classes in college and I look forward to studying it a bit before I graduate.

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class?

I would like to get more experience with the software often used for digital sculpture in industry today.

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way?

I believe a work of art is “good” when it can convey something to a viewer.  A piece of art with meaning and purpose serves as a form of expression.

Email address: tjs024@bucknell.edu

Cell phone number: 201-956-7312

Cell phone service provider: Verizon

Your name:  Glen Williams

Your major:  Mechanical Engineering

 

Please list a few of your interests, sports you play, or other activities you’re involved in (on or off campus).

– Bucknell Varsity Cross Country/ Track and Field teams (long distance running)

– Robotics (in research with Prof. Kim and as a hobby)

 

Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to get out of it?

I am very interested in 3D design, and wanted to take a class outside of the engineering curriculum. I hope to get exposure to a different perspective of 3D design that I would not normally get.

Are there any particular topics or techniques that you’re hoping to learn about in this class?

– I don’t know very much about art, so I’m hoping to learn more about it.

In your opinion, what makes a work of art interesting, worthwhile, or compelling—to put it simply, what makes a work of art good?  Why do you feel this way?

– A work of art that both looks original/appealing and clearly took skill to produce is interesting to me. I feel this way because I can most relate to realistic and precise art, and most respect people who have those skills.

Email address:

gtw008@bucknell.edu

Cell phone number:

484-643-3977

Cell phone service provider:

Verizon