Concepts and Processes: Academic writing and IT skills (2/3)

Exhibition review

Location: Tate Modern (2/10/13)

Collection: Energy and Process

Room: Arte Povera and Anti-Form

Fig 1. Arte Povera and Anti-Form. (2013) Authors own

The ‘Arte Povera and Anti-Form’ resides in the ‘Energy and Process’ Collection at the Tate Modern (room 3). According to the curators, Mark Godfrey and Helen Sainsbury the ten artists featured fall under the theme ‘Energy and Process’ as “In the late 1960s, many sculptors emphasised the process of making, and explored ides of energy in their work.” (Godfrey, 2013, Exhibition hand out, Rm. 3) This is evident as the majority of the work is crafted using natural materials with particular attention placed on creating the pieces and allowing them to ‘live’ in a sense, “Some works changed appearance on every new installation, or would need to be re-made each time they were exhibited.” (Godfrey, 2013, Exhibition hand out, Rm. 3) This element sparks a sense of curiosity in the viewer as it leads one to wonder how other people may have reacted to viewing the installations in a different way. 

Particular pieces such as the ‘8^th Paper Octagonal’ by Richard Tuttle feature elements of change as Tuttle intentionally leaves the viewer in a state of confusion. Robert Morris also uses a similar approach concerning his untitled piece in order to “…question the fixed geometric shapes of minimalist sculptor…” (Godfrey, 2013, Exhibition handout, Rm. 3) These pieces are congruent with Hans Haacke's 'Condensation Cube’ (structure and clarity collection), which is the epitome of allowing the work to 'live'. 

The word that springs to mind upon entering the room is 'refreshing’. A significant change in atmosphere is immediately felt in comparison to the other rooms. The choice of composition for pieces such as ’Tree of 12 metres’, Giuseppe Penone provokes a great deal of thought as it not only demands the viewer’s attention; It forces one to interact with the work by reacting and having an opinion rather than remaining indifferent and unaffected.

Bibliography

Handouts:

Godfrey, Mark. (2013) 'Arte Povera and Anti-Form' 

Energy and Process Collection Handout 2nd October