Every form of art contains an aspect of representation, but the exploration of representation as a theme is dependent on each individual piece. Representation is often found as a theme in public art pieces and two public art pieces that masterfully capture this are Gisele Amantea’s Memento (Poodle) and Douglas Coupland’s Golden Tree. Both use the theme of representation in contrasting and harmonious forms while incorporating iconization.
Gisele Amantea’s public art installation Memento (Poodle) comprises of a giant, white poodle mounted at the top of a twenty six foot pole. The sculpture is located at Main Street and 18th Avenue. The poodle sits atop a circular platform in a very formal and elegant position, with its black dotted eyes looking …show more content…
It is making a point of representing a material object and not a natural form. The next aspect that promptly stands out to the viewer is how tacky a porcelain poodle figurine is, however, the decision by the artist to create this figure does not seem tasteless. Gisele Amantea’s other works often incorporate patterns and designs that are considered gaudy because of the question it brings up; why is this design associated with tackiness? And yet Memento (Poodle) is not unappealing, it is simply an outlandish monument. As stated earlier, it is inspired by porcelain poodle figurines, similar to those found in many of the shops around Main Street which is where the piece is located. The poodle is expressive of the general surroundings of the street and the …show more content…
Memento (Poodle) and Golden Tree similarly use startling visuals to provoke how the viewer sees representation in icons. Using elements that are associated with kitschy styles, like excessive gold and porcelain figurines, the viewer can further question what cultural and social effects have on representation. Both incorporate iconizing forms that are not specifically tied to a particular culture, and accordingly do not leave anyone out. All people can look to these monuments because no one is excluded in the representation. Each installation involves an everyday object or organism taken out of its environment and re-conceptualized as a monumental sculpture. Both sculptures take into account the location for an impactful reflection of its surroundings. What is represented may not be tied to a specific culture but it is connected to its setting enough that it can be an icon for the city. Each one expresses differentiating sides of society. Memento (Poodle) expresses a connection to material culture, whereas Golden Tree conveys a connection to the natural. However, Golden Tree also emits a connection to the material world. Both art pieces incorporate ideas in society to represent in a sculpture. They are each installed in different ways, but both represent a sense of importance through their installation. In Memento (Poodle) the poodle is six feet tall and on the top of a very tall pole, and Golden Tree is
Gisele Amantea’s public art installation Memento (Poodle) comprises of a giant, white poodle mounted at the top of a twenty six foot pole. The sculpture is located at Main Street and 18th Avenue. The poodle sits atop a circular platform in a very formal and elegant position, with its black dotted eyes looking …show more content…
It is making a point of representing a material object and not a natural form. The next aspect that promptly stands out to the viewer is how tacky a porcelain poodle figurine is, however, the decision by the artist to create this figure does not seem tasteless. Gisele Amantea’s other works often incorporate patterns and designs that are considered gaudy because of the question it brings up; why is this design associated with tackiness? And yet Memento (Poodle) is not unappealing, it is simply an outlandish monument. As stated earlier, it is inspired by porcelain poodle figurines, similar to those found in many of the shops around Main Street which is where the piece is located. The poodle is expressive of the general surroundings of the street and the …show more content…
Memento (Poodle) and Golden Tree similarly use startling visuals to provoke how the viewer sees representation in icons. Using elements that are associated with kitschy styles, like excessive gold and porcelain figurines, the viewer can further question what cultural and social effects have on representation. Both incorporate iconizing forms that are not specifically tied to a particular culture, and accordingly do not leave anyone out. All people can look to these monuments because no one is excluded in the representation. Each installation involves an everyday object or organism taken out of its environment and re-conceptualized as a monumental sculpture. Both sculptures take into account the location for an impactful reflection of its surroundings. What is represented may not be tied to a specific culture but it is connected to its setting enough that it can be an icon for the city. Each one expresses differentiating sides of society. Memento (Poodle) expresses a connection to material culture, whereas Golden Tree conveys a connection to the natural. However, Golden Tree also emits a connection to the material world. Both art pieces incorporate ideas in society to represent in a sculpture. They are each installed in different ways, but both represent a sense of importance through their installation. In Memento (Poodle) the poodle is six feet tall and on the top of a very tall pole, and Golden Tree is