Strange Encounter

Credits to the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation

This artwork, titled ‘radioactive’ created by Robert Rauschenberg caught my attention for its use for imagery and abstract elements, introduced by the artist.

Known for his use of the mixed media, this piece encapsulates the process of creating by deconstructing the inherent meaning of the image and juxtaposing it with odd and out-of-this world elements. In line with the aesthetic movement of the Abstract Expressionism, this piece carries that particular aesthetic beyond the means of a painting. It is quite possibly, an act of recreation – to appropriate and reconstruct the medium of traditional painting.

Credits to John Baldessari

John Baldessari’s use of traditional mixed-media collage challenges the inherent meaning of the medium by sowing discord between the denoted and connoted. I find this particular piece succinctly defines the act of subtle subversion.

Similar to many of his other artworks, this particular piece introduces an element of intended discomfort – by immediately splicing the image into two apparent meanings. It is of love, that is the act of human warmth shown between these two lovers and yet, lacking any – symbolized by the intentional act of introducing the negative space.

To further heighten the element of discomfort, his minimalist aesthetic tightens the atmosphere, again, through the excellent use of negative space.

Visual Markings

Mark making through the eyes of Agnes Martin follows through and insistence on the representation of lines and shapes as a visual communictor of emotions.

To shed every possible pre-conceived notion of the final idea and simmer into the sheer essence of the idea and what makes of it stems through an almost abstract manner; of carefully curated shapes, lines, forms and color.

 

Agnes Martin, tumblr