ART21: Reaction

            I chose to finish the Art 21 series that was started during class, named 'Transformation'. I feel it is fairly clear that there is a definitive connection between each artist and the concept of transformation.

            For example, a well-known photographer, Cindy Sherman does something interesting in her work. She Transforms! Her transformation is created by using mask, makeup, jewelry, and costumes.  All of her portraits seem to be of different people, yet they are all self-portraits. This signifies a transformation of the physical body. Her journey with this art began when she was young, taking inspiration from film and television, which she brought to her early photography. Later on her art transformed from pure depiction in a movie style (mostly of women) to creating a character from her own mind. I would characterize her as a transformative artist because she changes her body to produce the photographs.

            Yikna Shonibare was the next artist to display such a transformation. His work also began with photography, taking his disability and transforming the her appeared through his Dorian Gray series. His later work changed in a socio-political commentary based on his African heritage and history. The work transforms objects such as headless mannequins into a commentary on power and excess. I would characterize his work as satirical not transformative because of his comedic commentary on power and excess.

            The other artist featured is Paul McCarthy. His transformation in style of work is by far the most distinct. He began with a video series in which he used paint, his body as the tool or brush and a vacant building as the canvas. Later in life he has produced many kinetic and static sculptures which differ greatly from his previous work. I would describe his work as transformative because of the drastic change of ideas and media.

            Overall I would label these artists and their works as transformative, however I had another word in mind too. Introspective. Each artist desired to say something about life and their own opinions or feelings and represent it through their own style and artwork.