Art as object

Definition

Art as object refers to the idea that artworks are self-contained entities, emphasizing their physical presence and materiality rather than solely their representational or conceptual meanings. This concept shifts the focus from art's narrative or emotional content to its physical characteristics, inviting viewers to appreciate the texture, color, and form of the artwork itself. This approach is especially relevant in discussions about Minimalism and Post-Painterly Abstraction, where the integrity of the object is paramount.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Frank Stella's works exemplify art as object by highlighting geometric shapes and bold colors that emphasize their materiality.
2. Stella rejected traditional notions of painting as a window to another world, instead promoting the canvas itself as an essential part of the experience.
3. His use of shaped canvases further challenges conventional expectations of rectangular paintings, making the artwork itself a sculptural presence.
4. Art as object allows for a direct interaction between viewer and artwork, encouraging a more tactile appreciation of the piece.
5. Stella’s famous quote, 'What you see is what you see,' encapsulates the essence of art as object by focusing on the visible elements without deeper narrative implications.

Review Questions

• How does Frank Stella's approach to art as object change our perception of traditional painting?
  • Frank Stella's approach to art as object transforms traditional painting by emphasizing the canvas and its materials as essential components of the artwork rather than merely a surface for representation. He challenges the viewer to focus on the physical aspects like shape and color instead of seeking deeper narratives or emotions. This shift encourages a more immediate and visceral experience with art, where what we see becomes paramount in understanding the piece.
• Discuss how Stella's shaped canvases contribute to the concept of art as object within his body of work.
  • Stella's shaped canvases significantly enhance the concept of art as object by moving away from conventional rectangular formats and introducing forms that demand physical engagement from viewers. These works assert their presence within space, blurring the lines between painting and sculpture. By doing so, he invites viewers to appreciate not just the painted surface but also how the artwork interacts with its environment, reinforcing its status as an object in its own right.
• Evaluate the impact of Stella's philosophy on contemporary art practices and how it challenges previous artistic conventions.
  • Stella's philosophy of art as object has profoundly influenced contemporary art practices by encouraging artists to rethink traditional boundaries between painting, sculpture, and installation. By prioritizing materiality and form over narrative or representation, his work challenges previous conventions that dictated how art should be perceived and experienced. This shift has paved the way for new explorations in various mediums where the physical presence of an artwork takes center stage, shaping how audiences interact with and interpret contemporary pieces.

Related terms

Minimalism: An art movement that emerged in the late 1950s, characterized by simplicity and an emphasis on the physical properties of materials used in art.

Post-Painterly Abstraction: A movement that evolved from Abstract Expressionism, focusing on flatness, clarity of form, and the intrinsic qualities of paint.

Objecthood: A term coined by critic Michael Fried to describe the qualities of artworks that prioritize their status as physical objects rather than as representations or conveyers of meaning.