Conceptual Art

In this weeks assignment we are to give our own definition of what conceptual art is to me. To me, conceptual art is made up of mostly our imagination and creativity. For example, looking at anything, such as an animal, a person, a computer, or even another picture, and adding your own twists and flavor to that particular object, person or thing. If I were to take a vase, put my own modifications in it such as different bright colors, then putting some different curves and humps to it, and then maybe putting a face on it is considered conceptual art to me. I am using my own imagination into something and turning it into my own work of art. At first, it may not be considered art, but when one puts their own artistic taste in it, then it becomes art.

One art work that I learned this week that is considered to be conceptual art is named Spade with Chains, by the artist David Hammons. This art piece is consists of the head of a shovel with chains hanging from the bottom of it, and in the middle of the shovel head, it appears to be an African mask. This artist used a technique called assemblage, which creates a sculpture by compiling objects taken from the environment. I believe this piece to be conceptual because Hammons takes different objects from the environment, and puts these particular and specific objects together to make this piece. He uses his imagination and creativity to put this particular piece together, and each piece that makes up this art has symbolic meaning.

I really enjoy looking at conceptual art because personally, I am not the type of person that can draw or paint something extravagant, but if you give me some objects and tell me to put it together and make something artistic with it, I can do that. I can relate more to conceptual art rather than other forms of art. I also love the symbolic meanings that is behind each piece of art. Although the art piece may appear bazaar or something one has never seen before, it is very interesting because it is different. Even though the art piece is something so small, it can also mean so much.