Intrinsic and Extrinsic Nature of Time and Space in Contemporary Installation

Abstract

The role of time and space in contemporary art is not a simplistic linear relationship. Instead it is a complex network, where every aspect of time within an artwork is reliant on the surrounding space, or vice versa. In fact I believe that the relationship between time, space and contemporary art is as complex and diverse as the terms time and space themselves. This article presents an overview of my current research, and introduces the integral terminology and methodology. Therefore, some concepts are not dealt with as extensively as I might otherwise wish and I am only able to summarise this relationship between time, space and contemporary art. Initially, in order to understand the complexity of this network, a causal model representing the full life-space of an artwork will be briefly introduced. The key to deconstructing these complex relationships is to identify the suitable terminology, therefore I will utilize the dual concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic to identify time and space, and to enable a deconstruction of contemporary art work. Examples of installations featured in the 2004 Biennale of Sydney will be used and due to word constraints this article will briefly consider the generic concept of contemporary installation. The methodology presented can be effectively applied to the deconstruction of any contemporary medium.