 |
| John Chamberlain "Scotch Vapor" 1989. Collection Berardo. Sintra Museum of Modern Art. |
Art from Trash [Dada, Arte Povera] and beyond the world of Consumerism.
In a world of rampart consumerism,
there is little wonder that many creative minds have turned their imaginations
to trying to express this new situation through found objects. Through the use
of found objects, both found or ready- made they have attempted to draw
attention to the over indulgence of modern day societies. Not that the use of
throw always is anything new, the Dada movement after the First World War
adopted this anarchic revolt against traditional western values. The philosophy
behind the movement was the disillusionment and collapse of civilized behaviour
exemplified by the slaughter of the recent past. Artists questioned the values
of those societies who had orchestrated such carnage and concluded that they
were morally bankrupt. They deliberately flouted accepted standards of aesthetic
taste and the concept of concern for market value. Technically accident and
chance played a major role in their output, a concept that was to reappear and
be exploited later by several 20th cent art movements such as
abstract expression.
Alberto Burri "Sack no 5" 1953.
Collection the artist.
The spirit of Dada continued
through the 20th century reappearing after the Second World War in
Italy in the form of Arte Povera, and American Junk Art. In would seem crises
creates the necessary environment for human kind to re-examine the purpose of
life and its’ values. One of the major exponents of this new art form being
Alberto Burri, who deliberately chose materials of worthless value such as old
newspaper, dirt, rusty metal, broken pieces of wood and so on. He would splash
red paint at times onto plastic or sacking material to simulate the blood
soaked bandages of the battle field. Burri had been a medico in the Italian
Army before being taken prisoner. In this sense Arte Povera had a similar
relationship to conflict as did First World War Dada.
Rosalie Gascoigne "the fall" 1981.
Private collection Rosalie Gascoigne Estate, Sydney.
Berardo Collection, Sintra Museum of Modern Art.
However it would be wrong of me
to suggest that all art forms using found or throw away materials necessarily
dwell on the macabre aspects of life. The current revival of the Trash Art
Movement, produce many works that can only be described joyous and happy in
concept. The philosophy behind new revival is to draw public attention in this
consumer age to waste, were nothing has any long term value. A world were
packaging and workmanship seems to be in decline. Everything is constructed
with the shortest life span possible in order to maximize profit. Over the last few years here in Hobart, the
Resource Co-Op has staged an annual exhibition based on trash.
Lyn Bester "Goose Step"
Art from Trash Exhibition 2013 Hobart.
The 2013 show, staged in the Salamanca
Art Centre was a great success Both in vitality and youthful exhilaration. Both
established artists and high schools took part and it was difficult to walk
around the exhibition and not be seduced by many of the works. One of my favourites
was Lyn Bester’s “Goose Step” a construction made from discarded jig-saw puzzle
pieces. An old tennis racket, wooden spoons, and various throw away objects became
cockroach like creature. All the exhibits were constructed from discarded items
and the overall impression was one of fun. The exhibition just goes to show
what can be achieved from discarded items and at the same time draw attention
to our society’s waste.
Art from Trash 2013 Hobart.
Peter Kreet "De Stijl Wine"
Art from Trash Exhibition 2012. Hobart.
No comments:
Post a Comment