Robert Irwin: Why Art? - The 2016 Burt and Deedee McMurtry Lecture

TL;DR

Renowned artist Robert Irwin takes on the challenge of redefining art by exploring perception and creating site-specific installations.

Transcript

Stanford University Welcome welcome good evening my name is Jason leneski and as director of the Anderson collection at Stanford University it's my great pleasure to welcome you here for our second annual Bert and Dee MCM Mery lecture I couldn't be more excited or honored thank you to um to have Robert irn here with us tonight [Applause] one quick ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥋 Robert Irwin's artistic journey was driven by his desire to challenge traditional art forms and explore perception.
• ♻️ His installations are site-specific, responding to the unique qualities of each environment.
• 😒 Irwin's use of materials like scrim and his attention to spatial relationships create immersive and dynamic experiences for the viewer.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Robert Irwin transition from painting to installations?

Irwin felt limited by traditional art forms and wanted to explore new ways of interacting with the viewer and the environment. Installations allowed him to break down the boundaries between object and space.

Q: How does Robert Irwin approach his site-specific installations?

Irwin spends time in the space, considering its architecture, materials, and surrounding environment. He aims to create a dialogue between the artwork and its surroundings, enhancing the viewer's perception and experience.

Q: What is the significance of using scrim material in Irwin's installations?

The scrim material acts as a translucent surface that manipulates light and delineates space. It allows for the interplay between the artwork, the viewer, and the surrounding environment.

Q: How does Irwin challenge traditional notions of art and perception?

Irwin's work blurs the lines between art, architecture, and environment. Instead of creating objects to be admired from a distance, he creates immersive experiences that actively engage the viewer's senses and perception.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Robert Irwin started his artistic career as a painter but quickly realized the limitations of traditional art forms.

• He experimented with lines, dots, and frames to understand the relationship between art and perception.

• Irwin expanded his practice to include installations that interact with their environment and challenge traditional notions of art.