Readings:
Jack Burnham’s chapter on Light as Sculpture Medium from Beyond Modern Sculpture (1969)
Robin Clark’s introduction to the exhibition Phenomenal: California Light, Space, Surface (2011)
In the first reading, Burnham states that light possesses unique qualities that make it an ideal medium for sculpture. Unlike traditional sculptural materials, light can define and transform space, creating temporary and dynamic sculptural forms. Thus, I found Laszlo Moholy-Nagy’s light-space modulator an interesting piece within the context of Light and Space simply because the sculpture was made to exist as a three-dimensional object in its own right, rather than solely a means of creating projected lights.
Title: Light Prop for an Electric Stage (Light-Space Modulator; Lichtrequisit einer elektrischen Bühne)
Artist: László Moholy-Nagy
Date: 1930
The idea of intentionally disrupting a viewer’s sensory experience for a more genuine and authentic reaction is a recurring theme in the readings. Robin Clark’s book, “Phenomenal: California Light, Space, Surface,” discusses how artists like Bruce Nauman allow viewers to physically engage with their works, giving them an active role as performers in the exhibition.
Title: Green Light Corridor
Artist: Bruce Nauman
Created: 1970
Similarly, Schuld’s book emphasises how artists such as Irwin, Wheeler, Nordman, and Turrell create artworks that act as experiential webs, inviting viewers to immerse themselves. Through these readings, I learned that experience is knowledge, as emphasised by Schuld as artists must let audiences carry the experience with them after encountering their projects.
Title: Seu corpo da obra (Your Body of Work)
Artist: Olafur Eliasson
Created: 2011