Joselit Notes On Surface Summary

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Are primal instinct and construction of our eyes to view the surface of objects limits our ability to identify items. The stereotypical view of artwork being aesthetically pleasing has transformed early before the start of modernity. We thrive for complex content compelling our conscious and unconscious thoughts. Throughout Joselit’s article, Notes on Surface, the emphasis on the flat surface influences subjects forwarding elements configured in modern and post-modern art. Although we deem modern artwork to the flatness of what is presented, Joselit conveys his message referencing ideas from Clement Greenburg and Michel Foucault to support claims based on the experience of modern art physically and psychologically. Throughout the article …show more content…

Her pieces of artwork are FLAT, physically her cut out monochromatic silhouettes are pasted on walls of galleries. The flat visual presentation serves as a perfect example for Joselit to deconstruct the trajectory of artwork having depth in contrast to what is visible. Walker’s pieces may be compressed images on a wall, but her construction of what is presented is the relation of flatness and depth. How do her flat cut outs exist in a space if they are just flat representations of slavery? The oscillation between the black and white, positive and negative, are used to emphasize the correlating concept of American history and slavery. Her fairytale-like compositions compels the fanciful relation of a graphic representation to being “both there and not there”, a tendency we hold when thinking of the history of our …show more content…

Though the surface of what we view is all our eyes can see, what our mind and body tells us much more. Joselit refers to the artist Jasper John’s, Study for Skin, he directly mentions the use of John’s body in art. This man used his own body, and rubs it against paper; his physical and psychological nature colliding on a medium in which people can view. Again, it is constructed on a flat surface, but the competition of cohesion to your mind and body, you are able to perceive much more. John’s work directly illustrates the representation of body confining the soul. As an aspiring artist, the idea of integrating our bodies physically confining us to construction of imaginations constitutes your skill as a creator. Our minds have no limitations, yet our bodies are not like the convention of a flat surface compelling a greater

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