The artist I am currently researching is Ernesto Neto. He creates sculptures similar to the hanging sacks I am looking to create. Not only does he display his work in gallery spaces but also he permits other senses from the audience to come into play. Often he fills his pieces with spices or herbs sending out scents to the viewer, they can also touch and feel the work. his work is very interactive by either walking through the piece or becoming connected with it.
Furthermore, my work differs from that of Ernesto Neto in his use of color. Not all of his works are vibrant in color, but sometimes he uses a palette which is very different to my own preferences. Even though his color isn't a preference within my own work I find his use of pale and light color very fascinating. But when he uses neutral colors I am greatly inspired by his process and plan on attempting such in my own work. Not only does his work display chandelier like structures but also the drooping/sagging sacks beneath it. Also, He uses primarily nylon in his installations while filling them with sand which causes a certain kind of tension within the piece. I am attempting to portray a similar kind of tension through the stretched fabric inn my sculpture.
I was initially inspired by the form of the chandelier due to three different significant experiences.
Firstly: for my last sculpture class last quarter I had to research and artist for a Power Point presentation. I discovered the artist named Lee Bul who creates disintegrating neutral toned chandeliers which hang from the ceiling with draping metal and glass beads. Lee Bul uses so much of the draping effect that for the longest time I was convinced the material was fabric.
Secondly: In that same class, another student created a sculpture similar to a hot air balloon which also had hanging bottles filled with liquid. The tension and weightiness between the two pieces was incredible. I was fascinated by her cleverness.
Thirdly: I was at the Newport Aquarium for my four year anniversary with my fiance and I could not stop watching the Jellyfish swim about aimlessly. There tendrils twisting underneath them and being carried by the water. Their orange and yellow transitioning of colors and their movement left me breathless. Particularly the Sea Nettle Jellyfish.
