"The Cat that caught the canary"

Agnes Denes- Wheatfield

When Agnes Denes ended her statement with, “the power of paradox,” she meant that planting wheatfields in the middle of Manhattan was a contrast between nature and industry. I think her statement is strong in defining her main thesis. Planting that wheat certainly did open people’s eyes to the simplicities of nature which often become showed by the complexities of industry. Although Agnes received mixed emotions about her Wheatfield experiment, she forever left an imprint in the minds of those she affected with her art. Applying a paradox like that to an event seems to help people remember the basic elements of being alive. The public has an opportunity to reexamine life and reprioritize.
Agnes’s writing style is pretty straight forward. She explained her intent, the process, the difficulties in which she endured the finished product, and the final reaction. She made it seem as if she touched a lot of people with just simply planting something as simple as wheat in an area that is the complete opposite of what nature symbolizes. I think that the overall concept stands out. Her event was a complete success. She successfully harvested wheat in central Manhattan while exposing people to the simplicities of growth and nature.
Some similar challenges that I have had when discussing my artwork is trying to express the deep down meaning of it all while also trying to bring my art to a whole. I haven’t made such an impact on society or people’s lives that was so profound like Agnes Denes. When discussing my artwork I feel as if I cannot speak for my art, I must let it speak for itself. I have yet to successfully impact people with my art and it seems like there is a lack of meaning behind my art or at least I’m having trouble trying to express it.
Three necessary elements to formulate a project must start with an overall thesis. What is the artist trying to tell the audience? Another element might be the execution, where will this event take place? What supplies will be needed to achieve success? Another element would be location. In Agnes’s Wheatfield, she was able to find an area that was close to her audience although the area was a dump beforehand she was able to change the ecosystem so that she could make her project successful. All these elements are fundamental to trying to achieve a successful work of art that has both substance and meaning.

Concepts & Practices II

(Heartless)

I am a BFA Art Studio student majoring in photography. I don't limit myself to just photography. I also paint, sculpt, and draw. I take a lot of my inspiration from books and videogames. I have weird obsessions with taboos. I have several weaknesses when it comes to the creative process. I work by the seat of my pants. I definatly don't plan that much when I start shooting. I think it henders me a bit and definatly stops me from achieving the best quality photo. Another weakness would probably be my lack of practice. I procrastinate way too much. My last weakness as a photographer is that I don't have proper lighting equipment for studio shots, so I depend on flood lamps which often washout my subjects. Its a lot of trial and error on my part.