Customize a common object. | Brian McCutcheon | The Art Assignment

TL;DR

Artist Brian McCutcheon explores play, masculinity, and the intersection of the everyday and extraordinary by customizing common objects.

Transcript

We're in Indianapolis today. And we're actually filming in the very same location we did a while back for Sopheap Pich imprint assignment. But this time, we're filming with Brian McCutcheon, who's a master fabricator whose studio helps build an artwork for Sopheap Pich, but who's also an artist in its own right. Brian's work explores play, notions ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Brian McCutcheon's work revolves around exploring play, masculinity, and the intersection of the everyday and extraordinary.
• ❓ He finds inspiration in common materials and objects, reimagining them in his artwork.
• 😨 McCutcheon's interest in cars, speed, and flight can be seen in his recent series involving space exploration.
• 🥰 He believes that the purpose of art is about conveying ideas and attitudes rather than functionality.
• 😨 Childhood experiences with his uncle and his first car influenced his passion for making things.
• 📔 McCutcheon incorporates notions of maleness into his artwork by combining automotive and decorative elements.
• 🥰 The art assignment given by McCutcheon involves customizing a common object and upending its intended function.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of art according to Brian McCutcheon?

McCutcheon believes that the purpose of art is not about functionality, but about conveying ideas and attitudes. While some artwork can still work, he creates sculptures that primarily focus on ideas.

Q: How did McCutcheon's childhood experiences influence his passion for making things?

Spending time with his uncle, who was an obsessive car maker, and fixing up his first car at a young age sparked McCutcheon's interest in making things and craftsmanship.

Q: How does McCutcheon incorporate notions of maleness into his artwork?

McCutcheon explores the maleness of work, automotive culture, and decorative aspects through his art, combining ideas of automotive and artistic abstractions with Baroque influences.

Q: What is the art assignment given by Brian McCutcheon?

The art assignment is to customize a common object. Participants are asked to choose an object, list its identifying traits, and then customize the object while focusing on and playing with one of those traits.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Brian McCutcheon is a master fabricator and artist known for his work in exploring play, masculinity, and the intersection of the everyday and extraordinary.

• He finds inspiration in common materials and has reimagined charcoal grills, lawn chairs, and suburban American life in his artwork.

• McCutcheon's recent works explore themes of cars, speed, flight, and space exploration, often incorporating elements of automotives and decorative male identity.