Contemporary Artworks Research Articles

Queer Methods and Pedagogies in Conal McStravick’s Learning in a Public Medium

This article considers the queer methods and pedagogies in Conal McStravick’s artist research project Learning in a Public Medium (2015–2018). The project considered the life and legacies of the late artist, educator, and writer, Stuart Marshall (1947–1993). Learning in a Public Medium exists within a lattice of contemporary artworks, projects, and research, undertaken predominantly by queer, trans, and non-binary artists, that engage LGBTQ+ archives and histories. McStravick’s project is exemplary of a queer historiographic practice that activates an ongoing relationship to past pedagogues through a public process of education. The emotions, feelings, and pull of the moment of the HIV/AIDS crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s, commutes and transfers within the archive and artworks of Marshall, and the pedagogies of McStravick. Learning in a Public Medium staged an intra- and intergenerational mode of learning, to reflect on the remarkable legacy of Marshall and his deeply felt loss to AIDS-related illness. In the wake of another pandemic, and an increasingly hostile environment in the UK and internationally towards queer and trans communities, Learning in a Public Medium sought out tools and strategies from a past moment of pandemic and persecution, as a means of building political alliances and affinities in the present.

RESEARCH ON THE KEY CONSTITUENT COMPOSITION OF ART WORKS - CONTEMPORARY TREND

From the perspective of art research and culture, this article analyzes the key significance of the composition of composition in contemporary art works, and carefully explores the innovation trends shown in form, functions and aesthetics in contemporary art situation. Through the in -depth interpretation of various contemporary art phenomena and works, it reveals how composition breaks through the traditional model with the influence of science and technology, the influence of social and cultural ideas, and the guidance of audience needs. Understand the essence of contemporary art creation and grasp its development direction to provide strong support.

First Insights into the Formation of Metal Soaps in Alkyd-Based Paints: A Proof-of-Concept Investigation Using FTIR Spectroscopy.

The formation of metal soaps or carboxylates in oil paintings is a widely studied topic. Expanding upon the extant research on the subject, this work investigates the formation of metal soaps as pertaining to alkyd-based media. Especially popular in modern and contemporary art, alkyd paints are complex commercial formulations mainly containing a polyester backbone obtained by the condensation of glycerol and phthalic acids, where the third free alcoholic function is esterified with a blend of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The formulation may also contain cross-linking agents, dries, and catalysts. Compared to drying oils, alkyd systems have different stability and mobility, likely prompting different kinetics in the formation of metal soaps. This work explores the formation of metal carboxylates in mock-up paints prepared as mixtures of an alkyd binder with potassium hydroxide and three commonly used pigments (smalt, zinc white, and lead white) at ambient conditions and upon artificial aging. As a second step, samples from two contemporary works by Italian artists Franco Garelli and Luciano Minguzzi were investigated for comparison. The results confirm the formation of metal soaps in both mock-up and real paints, paving the way for future research, with significant implications especially for the conservation of modern and contemporary artworks.

Volunteer Voices: building volunteer agency in the field of contemporary art in heritage

ABSTRACT Volunteers are a key but underexploited resource in advocating for and interpreting the contemporary artworks that are increasingly being commissioned for heritage places. Volunteers are not typically offered any training to help them talk about contemporary artworks with visitors or provided with much background information about the art or artists concerned. Nor is the organisation’s rationale for engaging with contemporary art well-understood by volunteers. While heritage organisations rely heavily on volunteers to provide high quality experiences for their visitors, in failing to adequately prepare volunteers, the full value of investment in a contemporary art project – time, money, organisational input, the creative energy of the artist – might not be properly realised. In this article, which draws on findings from a pilot volunteer training programme conducted in North East England in 2021–2022, we develop existing research into ‘serious leisure’ to suggest the value of building a community of practice through peer-learning that can offer a distinctive experience for volunteers, enhancing both their ownership and agency. We argue for the benefits of knowledge exchange across heritage sites and suggest that volunteers could be at the forefront in improving commissioning and exhibiting practices and visitor appreciation of contemporary art in heritage places.

Considerations in Acquisition of 3D-Printed Art

ABSTRACT 3D printing (also known as Rapid Prototyping or Additive Manufacture) is increasingly common and technically sophisticated, and is utilized in art and design, industry, and consumer applications. Museums and collectors are now acquiring works made using this technology though their preservation needs are not fully understood. This article provides an overview of the technology and related terminology, review of related conservation literature, and introduction to current efforts for the care of these works. Discussion includes the formulation of collaborative working practices, documentation during acquisition, and consideration of periodic reprinting. Case studies include a pre-accession checklist developed at SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) and the reprinting of select components from Altar/Engine (2015) by Tauba Auerbach at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in New York. Though 3D-printed works may be found in science, history, and other collections, this study will focus on works of contemporary art and design.

Rethinking the life of court dwarfs in early modern Florence: the case of Pietro Barbino at the Medici court☆

AbstractCourt dwarfs were a feature of aristocratic entourages across Europe from the Medieval period until the eighteenth century and their presence is recorded in both contemporary artworks and written sources. Traditionally, it has been assumed that these courtly attendants functioned solely as jester‐buffoons who were exploited and humiliated by their patrons, but is this assumption accurate? By recovering the forgotten histories of this significant group of court staff, new perspectives emerge on the lives of court dwarfs and the various roles they undertook, beyond their conventional role as jesters. This article examines the case of Pietro Barbino, a dwarf attendant at the Medici court in sixteenth‐century Florence, who was the subject of a portrait by the court sculptor Valerio Cioli. Information from archival sources about Barbino's life, both inside and outside the court, corresponds with Giorgio Vasari's description of him as ‘a gifted dwarf, well‐lettered, a very gentle spirit and a favourite of our Duke’ (Lives of the Artists, 1568). Barbino's story suggests that, at least in some instances, dwarf attendants were involved with more erudite aspects of courtly entertainment and were able to achieve a measure of personal autonomy within the complex hierarchy of the court system.

‘Mapping’ China’s Art Industry: Understanding Contemporary China Through Qiu Zhijie’s Maps as a Medium of Cultural Relations

Deeply ingrained in the fabric of Chinese society, calligraphy originated as an ancient art form and is known as the chief of all traditional arts in China. In the current artistic context of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), calligraphy has merged with contemporary art forms to reflect the dynamic changes and realities of the country. Addressing gaps in academic literature focusing on China’s soft power and cultural diplomacy, this paper focuses on cultural relations to develop a people-centered pathway that flows “organically” and enables the understanding of current-day China. Inspired by Anne Marie-Slaughter’s conceptualization of a “web” of networks, this paper employs a case study analysis of specific contemporary artworks by Chinese contemporary artist Qiu Zhijie. Indeed, this paper finds that Qiu’s maps reflect nuances of contemporary Chinese society, showcasing the intricate relationship between calligraphy, contemporary Chinese art forms, and Chinese culture and society. Further, due to the unique combination of Chinese characters and English text, woven together through cartography and Chinese calligraphy, Qiu’s maps provide international audiences with basic tools for understanding cross-cultural nuances and contemporary realities. In the context of international relations, Qiu’s maps may act as a medium for improving the international community’s understanding of current-day China.

Avant-Garde is Dead? On Arrière-Garde and Digital Games

This article aims to approach the problem of avant-garde digital games by analyzing them as proof of avant-gardes’ vitality and/or their demise. First, it seeks to investigate the presence of avant-garde as a term within contemporary digital game discourses. Second, it focuses on the digital games somewhat inspired by works and practices of avant-gardes and tries to investigate how the presence of avant-gardes within contemporary games may also indicate its demise. To deal with that ambiguous position, the concept of arrière-garde is proposed, as prescribed to contemporary works of art inspired by avant-garde movements and continuing their actions. The article concludes with two case studies, focusing on intertextual references to the Surrealism found in titles by Bedtime Digital Game and of cozy games which, despite not offering direct continuity, utilize art and mood as a means of political protest in a similar way to Czech Poetism.

A Closer Look at Heritage Systems from Medieval Colors to Modern and Contemporary Artworks

This microreview, conducted by interdisciplinary teams, examines complex heritage material systems, such as medieval colors and modern and contemporary artworks. Our multi-analytical approach, a significant aspect of our research, is a means to this end. The conservation of works of art is our shared goal, as it ensures their accessibility and the transfer of cultural heritage to future generations. We seek to interpret the damage, usefulness, and innovation of the experimental design in this context. As Jan Wouters rightly points out, “The terminology used nowadays to describe the potential damage to objects caused by analysis should be refined beyond the destructiveness/non-invasiveness polarization. A terminology should include at least degree level intervention (low, medium, high), usefulness, and innovation”. Complementing micro- or sub-micro-sampling with the appropriate analytical methods is crucial, as exemplified in medieval, modern, and contemporary collections studies. Finally, a novel perspective for exploring the information contained in the multiscale heterogeneity of organic historical materials is envisaged, and it includes UV/Visible photoluminescence spectral imaging using a low-intensity ultraviolet synchrotron beam.

A Journey Through Islamic Art Exhibition: Purification of Form, Ineradicable in Content

Throughout the years, the manifestations of Islamic art from east and west have been diverse in the formalistic aspects but united in its spiritual essence. The wide range of ornamental motifs, stylisation, placement, material, and context is constantly changing according to the current trend of the period, reflecting the historical, social-cultural and economic background it was produced. This ensues that change is inevitably bound to happen, where traditional approach in Islamic art might not be suitable to implement in the modern society due to the unavailability of precious materials and patronage as before. Despite the challenge, the “Islamic” identity in their artworks is still being discretely preserved in their expression despite implementing and combining new techniques, styles, forms, and materials with traditional approaches. This creates an asymmetrical balance that embraces change while maintaining the Islamic principle, philosophy, and spiritual allure in their artistic production where the artists design their art to be parallel and in context with modernity. However, the Islamic identity in contemporary artworks is difficult to identify and challenging to decipher as the visual expression differs significantly from traditional art forms that people are accustomed to, making it vaguely recognised and understood. This constant and dynamic flux of tolerance and acculturation is something that is being visually exhibited by the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) in their special curation “A Journey Through Islamic Art” that showcases traditional and contemporary form of Islamic art in the same place. Although the curation is impressive, but the visual tension it creates invokes the mind to think deeply about what makes an Islamic art “Islamic” and what is the suitable approach to appropriately fathom and consider the art piece as a work of “Islamic art” as the physical form of calligraphy alone is not sufficient for it to be considered as “Islamic.”

Passing through skin: technology, physicality and art

ABSTRACT Our present technological environment has removed a substantial degree of physicality from common functions. This condition had already been investigated around a century ago by Walter Benjamin, who had an ambivalent attitude toward the ‘aura’ associated with outmoded technologies. The Benjaminian discourse, which continues among academics, contains hidden insights into the psychological effect of the increasing loss of tactile experience as mechanical operations are replaced by electronic ones. The evolution of dials and switches is paradigmatic of the technological changes that parallel those in psychosomatic perception. Modern and contemporary works of art have reflected sensitivity to this socio-cultural situation and address it by linking visual experience to tactile experience. Claes Oldenburg's sculptural representation of toggle switches serves as an exemplary case.

The Authenticity of Diriyah: Between the Philosophy of Place and Time as a Foundation for Designing Contemporary Artwork

This study delves into the integration of the philosophical concepts of space and time within the context of Diriyah's rich cultural and historical backdrop, aiming to leverage these concepts as foundational pillars for innovative artistic design within the visual arts and design domain. It adopts a hybrid methodology that combines descriptive and analytical techniques for its theoretical framework with experimental approaches for practical application. The outcomes underscore the feasibility and potential of melding space and time philosophies to foster unique design ideas for installation art, thereby enriching the visual arts and design landscape. Some recommendations were presented including engaging deeply with philosophical themes such as the essence of space and time. This research not only contributes to the artistic valorization of Diriyah's heritage within the framework of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 but also propels forward the discourse on integrating architectural heritage with contemporary art practices.

Is God evolving? Totems in contemporary art

This article explores the evolution of totemic symbolism in contemporary visual art and its profound link with religious concepts, particularly the image of God. It examines how artists reinterpret sacred themes through totems, reflecting both historical religious traditions and modern societal transformations. Through a review of totemic representations from ancient to contemporary artworks, this study illuminates the evolving portrayal of divine figures – from traditional religious icons to more personalised spiritual symbols. This evolution not only signifies changes in artistic expression but also suggests a deepening societal understanding of divinity. The analysis highlights the totem’s role as a mediator between the human and the divine, offering insights into the spiritual connections that transcend conventional religious frameworks. This research not only enriches the discourse on the relationship between art and religion but also underscores the dynamic interaction between cultural heritage and contemporary artistic exploration.Contribution: This study enriches the field of art history and religious studies by tracing the transformative representation of totems in art from ancient symbolism to modern reinterpretations. It underscores the totem’s role as a dynamic symbol in contemporary visual culture, facilitating deeper spiritual connections and dialogues across various cultural and religious landscapes. The findings of this study provide a nuanced understanding of how contemporary art mediates complex theological concepts, thus offering new perspectives on the intersection of art, religion and spirituality.

Enriching Artistic Works with Leftover Colored Paper Using The Art Of Colored Paper Quilling For Female Students Of The College Of Home Economics To Achieve Sustainable Development

The field of artistic works is witnessing continuous changes and developments in new sciences and modern technologies. This is due to the community’s need for these works of art, and as a result of the colored papers remaining from paper manufacturing factories that are not used. The idea of the research was to use these remains to enrich the artwork and give it a contemporary appearance by using colored paper draping techniques to enrich the aesthetic aspect of the artwork.The research aims to achieve three basic axes: an axis to demonstrate the plastic possibilities of the art of colored paper quilling in its various forms, an axis to show the aesthetics of contemporary artwork from the remains of colored paper, and an axis concerned with the implementation of innovative artistic works that achieve sustainable development by linking them to create contemporary designs for use in the artistic work. . Collage style to enrich the field of artistic works among home economics students.Through these entries, the concept of collage art, its types, and its various plastic possibilities were clarified, and the different plastic possibilities of this art were identified. The research also relied on the experimental descriptive approach, through the experiment on fifth-level female students in home economics at King Khalid University. One of the most important results we reached. The hypotheses have been verified and it has been proven that experimenting with the remains of colored paper used in paper mills can achieve various plastic and tangible artistic values that enrich the artistic work of home economics students and achieve sustainable development. The current research recommends experimenting with the aesthetics of collage art using other materials.

Wielogłos portugalskiego Południa

MULTI-PART VOICES OF THE PORTUGUESE SOUTH: CANTE ALENTEJANO IN CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATIONS The article presents cante alentejano (a multi-part singing form from Alentejo) as a manifestation of cultural identity of the inhabitants of the Portuguese region. It succinctly illustrates the origins and development process of the genre, as well its present situation. The transformations of cante (in terms of its definition, practice, promotion, and „use”) are shown in relation to the contemporary socio-cultural realities of the region. The article also addresses the references to cante alentejano in the works of contemporary artists who are active nationally and internationally, recognized by a wide audience, and originating from other musical traditions (e.g., fado or pop). The article also indicates possible directions for further research on this cultural phenomenon.

Mattel's ©Barbie: Preventing Plasticizers Leakage in PVC Artworks and Design Objects through Film-Forming Solutions.

The main conservation problem of p-PVC artworks is phthalate-based plasticizer migration. Phthalate migration from the bulk to the surface of the materials leads to the formation of a glossy and oily film on the outer layers, ultimately reducing the flexibility of the material. This study aimed to develop a removable coating for the preservation of contemporary artworks and design objects made of plasticized polyvinyl chloride (p-PVC). Several coatings incorporating chitosan, collagen, and cellulose ethers were assessed as potential barriers to inhibiting plasticizer migration. Analytical techniques including optical microscopy (OM), ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared spectroscopy (UV/Vis/NIR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to evaluate the optical and chemical stability of selected coating formulations applied to laboratory p-PVC sheet specimens. Subsequently, formulations were tested on a real tangible example of a design object, ©Barbie doll, characterized by the prevalent issue of plasticizer migration. Furthermore, the results obtained with the tested formulations were evaluated by a group of conservators using a tailored survey. Finally, a suitable coating formulation capable of safeguarding plastic substrates was suggested.

FROM DAVID HARVEY’S PERSPECTIVE: EXAMINATION OF ART, CITY AND CAPITALISM

Examining the transformations experienced in urban spaces in contemporary works of art leads to the conclusion that architectural productions are the subject of sharp criticism of art, beyond the moderate criticism of daily life and artists. Lately, artists have been critically bringing up the effects of projects that have been implemented in different understandings and scales on the inhabitants of the city, and the physical and socio-economic changes of cities. In this study, the structuring processes of cities and the changes until today have been examined through the works on the subject of the city, which have been exhibited in the Istanbul biennials since 2000. These examined works were analyzed through David Harvey’s definitions of the concept of capitalism. It aimed to directly readability of the relations between the concepts of the analyzed works about the city in a pragmatic manner. In this context, it can be said that together with the inclusion of cities in the production area of contemporary art, interferes with the cultural and physical body of the city. When the capitatalism crises are viewed critically from the social scale pointed out by contemporary art, it has been revealed that the crises can be read through art.

Aging of a Poly(vinyl acetate)-Based White Glue and Its Durability in Contemporary Artworks.

While extensive research has focused on understanding the degradation mechanisms of Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAC) paint under different environmental conditions, limited attention has been paid to the long-term stability of PVAC-based white glues, especially when used in artworks. This study investigates the accelerated degradation, under simulated photoaging, and isothermal treatment of a commercial PVAC-based white glue considered representative of this class of materials used in contemporary artworks to predict its durability and assess its behavior in art objects. Through accelerated aging experiments and comparison with natural aging observed in artworks, the study reveals the formation of chromophores and the release of plasticizers as key processes; in particular, the progressive darkening was considered an early indicator of degradation processes, before structural changes could be detected by FTIR or NMR spectroscopies. The plasticizer loss induces an increase in glass transition temperature, from 7 °C to temperatures higher than room temperature, affecting the adhesive's cohesive strength and contributing to the detachment of materials in artworks. The findings underscore the importance of preventive conservation measures to mitigate degradation issues in PVAC-based artworks.

Chair portraits: Clara Porset’s ‘butaque’

Over the past decade, a mid-century chair has proved to be a surprising yet generative catalyst for three contemporary works of art. Silver outlines how a modernist update of a historic chair, known as a butaque, by the Cuban-Mexican designer Clara Porset is directly referenced in the work of Leonor Antunes, Jill Magid and Iñaki Bonillas. The chair’s fluid nature becomes a vehicle for each artist to challenge established hierarchies and collapse categories, both disciplinary and chronological, in various ways.

Decoding AI in Contemporary Art: A Five-Trope Classification for Understanding and Categorization

Abstract The article presents a historical overview of the classification of contemporary artworks that either have utilized artificial intelligence as a tool in their creation or focus on AI as their central theme or subject matter. The authors analyze artworks and descriptions, focusing on artists’ motivations and AI’s role in their practice, identifying five distinct tropes in AI art. The authors compare artworks with respect to key questions, creating a useful tool for art historians, curators, researchers, and artists. This historical classification provides a structured approach to understanding AI art’s creative significance and attributes as it has developed over time.