WP3: Pre-Write 3

A few of the most interesting aspects of Fragment X-O by Juan Hamilton are its overall structure and placement in the world. This sculpture is located among many other sculptures in a garden purely meant for display, but there is something different about how this sculpture is situated that pulls the viewer in to examine it further.

This piece of art is most interesting because it can be viewed from many different angles and how this creates a sense of logos. Its location in an open environment in which the audience can move around and get as close to or far away from the sculpture as possible is what makes this viewing experience unique. Fragment looks different depending on which angle you are viewing it from. The front looks completely different from the back in the sharpness of the angles and the physical shape. The other interesting part about this piece is that the angle you are viewing the piece from alters what slice of life that you view through the center. The frame that is created by the sculpture highlights different aspects of the world around it and the placement of the viewer’s body in relationship to the sculpture alters how much is framed by the piece.

Also intertwined with the aspect of the sculpture that controls what you see through the hole, or what pieces that you see within it, is defined by its location within the sculpture garden. It is placed above the common viewing area separated from the sidewalk by grass. If the piece is viewed from the front, it partially frames Architecture Hall behind it, but when viewed from the backside it perfectly frames Sheldon Museum of Art. This intentional placement alters how the pathos of the viewer is affected as they look at the piece because of what they are also seeing behind it. As well, the sculpture is anchored to a large concrete slab that peaks above ground level. This slab gives an illusion of distance and creates a space in which the viewer is not allowed to get closer to the sculpture. This distance between the audience and the sculpture creates a lack of audience interaction that is contradicted by the piece’s life size and welcoming empty center. This works to create a sense of ethos so that the piece is respected as art and should not be touched or climbed on.

Another aspect of the sculpture that relates to visual pathos is the coloration of the art object. This piece is altered by the weather and as it is made of bronze this weathering alters the coloration. A gradient of color is created by this weathered effect that works to create an emotional response by the audience. The top of the sculpture has been weathered to create a greenish, matte patina, while on the other hand the bottom of the sculpture has retained its dark, shiny bronze coloration. The inside of the sculpture has taken on a red, rusty look very different from the outside of the piece. These colors work together to create a natural feeling that the piece is being incorporated by nature into its outside environment. This feeling invites the audience to touch and feel the material that is not felt in a museum environment. This interaction is not seen in many pieces because they are always viewed indoors and have a hands-off look about them, such as Curve and Shadow No. 2 also created by Hamilton.

Fragment X-O is full of contradictions and never looks the same from any angle. It is almost like looking at four different sculptures in one. This irregularity is created by its imperfections and natural-made feel.