Redefining sculpture is Richard Serra's goal

The Christian Science Monitor ^ | Sept. 15, 2006 | Gloria Goodale

[Republicanprofessor]

A Richard Serra sculpture is not always an easy experience. Most famous over the nearly half century of his career for the towering, metal shapes that have graced civic spaces from Tokyo to New York to Bilbao, Spain, he specializes in the monumental, the breathtaking, and the surprising. His deceptively unfettered, simple metal walls that cut through public walkways and plazas have confounded some while delighting others. This sheer physicality of his sculptures force passersby to approach the space with a new awareness.

........

"Public sculpture used to have a code," says the San Francisco native, who acquired his early metalworking experience during a stint in a steel factory. "There was a given iconography written into the way we worshiped our heroes. Public sculpture had to do with the depiction of a historical time or event."

As the artists of the 20th century began to challenge that function, Serra says, the concerns began to change. "Once the work came down from its pedestal and became organized in relation to its present time and space, it began to challenge architecture in a way that it hadn't before."

[Republicanprofessor]

Tilted Arc by Serra

Richard Serra at the Bilbao Guggenheim, Spain

Minimalist sculpture is about the experience of the space, and perhaps his new work at the Bilbao is better than the Tilted Arc.

[Republicanprofessor]

Art ping.

Let Sam Cree, Woofie, or me know if you want on or off this art ping list.

[GladesGuru]

Calling all scrap metal dealers! Calling all scrap metal dealers!

Only some goober in a gooberment agency would spend money on such 'art'.

This article is a very compelling argument for defunding government spending in the arts.

[Sam Cree]

"This article is a very compelling argument for defunding government spending in the arts."

My thought as well, but the artist here would seem to disagree:

"Serra would like to see government take the lead in encouraging more public understanding and value for art, the kind that raises questions rather than merely entertains."

[GladesGuru]

I'd find the defunding of government arts programs to be both enlightening and entertaining. And, such a defunding would also raise a very valid question - "WHO'S NEXT!"

Serra said he wanted to raise questions, so I humbly suggest a way to realize his goal.

;-)

[January24th]

I'm not usually a fan of minimalist giganticus, but I truly "get" the Bilbao exhibit. I'd love the experience of walking around and through the elegantly curved and free-standing structures.

[Republicanprofessor]

Hurray! A positive statement.

So, I gather you've been there and walked around it.

I'd be interested in your other ideas re the Bilbao. We haven't gotten there yet; I teach modern architecture in the spring, and I would relish personal experiences (or even images) to aid in the discussion.

You can even reply privately if you prefer.

Thanks.

[January24th]

No, I've not been there, I think you misread my comment. At any rate, the Tate Modern was my introduction to truly soaring, gigantic art. Pictures just do not have the scale and impact generated by the real thing.

"Art"itecture was late in being added to my experience. So much of art can be appreciated from afar with reproductions and photographs, but things like these beautifully sweeping curves would have to be experienced as intended. Sigh.

Oh, to be in Spain in the Spring!

[Jane Austen]

Ditto