Material significance in contemporary art

Gordon, R. (2013) Material significance in contemporary art. ArtMatters: International Journal for Technical Art History, 5, pp. 1-10.

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Publisher's URL: http://www.artmattersjournal.org/index.php/past-volumes/18-volume-5

Abstract

Contemporary artists are faced with a cacophony of choice when it comes to materials. With this expanded practice, where everything and anything could be considered a material, come questions for those charged with the care of these works: how do we discern the artwork’s materials and their role in the identity of the work? By examining the use of ‘people’ and ‘context’ as materials by the artists Aileen Campbell, Justin Carter and Toby Paterson, this paper assesses the function of these materials in the work, introducing the terms ‘material structure’ and ‘material as signifier’ to aid the investigation. This process will deepen our understanding of the complex identities of such contemporary artworks, informing their successful stewarding into the future.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Gordon, Dr Rebecca
Authors: Gordon, R.
Subjects:B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
Journal Name:ArtMatters: International Journal for Technical Art History

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