[research & analysis]
Medium / Form: An attempt at a systemic approach to installation art
[keywords]
installation art, medium, form, systemic theory & notions, spectator, space, time, social system, distinction, observer, multisensory, multimedia, elements coupling, tight & loose coupling, intermediality, corporeality, digital technologies, ekphrasis, digital ekphrasis
[abstract]
The present research thesis aims to approach installation art in terms of systemic theory; in particular, it focuses on the primary systemic notions of “medium” and “form” and monitors their complex relationship in installation art. After a supervisory introduction to the attempts of defining installation art, its characteristics, and the reasons why installation art continues to fuel an intense discussion in the field of art and its theory, it is supported that installation art is not subjected to only one attempt of definition. Then, the project turns to the descriptive analysis of the parameters of space, time and the spectator, ascertaining that the true expression of installation art is achieved through the cooperation of these parameters. Afterwards, through a primary presentation of the systemic notions of “medium” and “form”, which is accompanied by the theoretical analysis of the distinction between the two terms, the process of coupling their elements and the pivotal role played by the means of the observer’s perception are studied. In other words, the communication produced by installation art and its audience and the process of observing the work of art are described. The analysis continues with the connection of installation art with concepts such as intermediality, corporeality and the objects of installation art, but also with the less discussed term of digital ekphrasis, in order to show how the introduction of digital technologies, which entails new possibilities and challenges for art in general, but mainly for installation art, is also added as an extension to the central theoretical part and as a special parameter that establishes installation art as a multimedia - multisensory event. Finally, in each case, the selected theoretical approach is verified and supported through the description and analysis of the appropriately selected works of installation art.
[interesting excerpts]
"To date, no one has been able to come up with a satisfactory term for installation art, probably because it represents more of an ongoing change in the practice of art appreciation than a decisive breakthrough in a particular medium."
"Installation art describes a mode or type of production rather than a movement with a strong ideological framework in the background. Despite the lack of a manifesto, the persistence of some artists in continuing its tradition can nevertheless be understood."
"The spectator is perhaps the most fundamental and essential parameter, with space and time creating additional relationships within the installation's work and complementing it. The true expression of the installation comes from the cooperation of all these parameters, making each encounter with it unique. The spectator, space, and time, as integral parts of the work, complete it and create various atmospheres, ensuring something particularly important for installation art — variety. This contribution aids the evolution of installation art and contributes to the progress and formation of the contemporary artistic field."
"Art is a complex social system with the ultimate aim of conveying meaning through the observer's perception and the works of art themselves. These works are considered constitutive social media that serve as both objects of production and reception."
"The concepts of medium and form play a decisive role in the production and perception of art, with their distinction encompassing such a wide range that it is capable of shaping art's evolution, particularly within installation art. The coupling of their elements adheres to the rules of inclusion and communication established by art, offering diverse possibilities for its evolutionary trajectory."
"The introduction of digital culture brings about significant changes in art, particularly in installation art, as it alters the way spectators perceive and interact with artworks. The current artistic landscape, with the integration of digitality, has the potential to provide new sensory experiences, eliciting a range of emotional reactions."
"As a critical tool, the concept of ekphrasis can interpret artistic expressions, particularly those involving corporeality, such as interactive installations, which reestablish the connection with the body. With the incorporation of digital elements, digital ekphrasis provides a conceptual framework for understanding digital installations, enhancing our comprehension of them. Thus, a notable affinity between ekphrasis and installation art emerges."
[figures & images]
the linear evolution of the term "installation art"
the three main characteristics of installation art
the installation as a network for the audience
the three parameters of installation art
top-down diagram
medium, form, and their distinction
the printed booklet
[indicative bibliography]
Bishop, C. (2005). Installation Art: a Critical History. Tate Publishing.
Kabakov, I. (2008). From On “Total” Installation (1995). In M. Jackson (Ed.), On Art (pp. 246–252). University of Chicago Press.
Kaprow, A. (1993). Essays on the Blurring of Art and Life. University of California Press, Ltd.
Lindhé, C. (2016). Visual Touch: Ekphrasis and Interactive Art Installations. In C. Van den Akker & S. Legêne (Eds.), Museums in a Digital Culture (pp. 31–40). Amsterdam University Press.
Luhmann, N. (2000). Art as a Social System (1st ed.). Stanford University Press.
Rebentisch, J. (2012). Aesthetics of Installation Art. Sternberg Press.
Reiss, J. H. (1999). From Margin to Center: The Spaces of Installation Art. The MIT Press Cambridge.
[project info]
student: Marianna Zioga
year: 2022
institution: University of Thessaly, Department of Architecture
supervisor: Fani Paraforou [http://www.arch.uth.gr/en/staff/F_Paraforou]
* This project was also presented as a model research thesis to the Department of Architecture at the University of Thessaly as part of the 5th-year "Trans Disciplinary Research" Course [http://www.arch.uth.gr/en/studies/course/1969/9] in December 2023.