This is the third article in a series looking at how conceptual art is exhibited in London’s Tate Modern. The first article looked at citizenship, how it is defined and portrayed. The second part focused on the Fluxus artist Joseph Beuys. This third part take a more eclectic look at some of the most interesting works on display.
Conceptual art (or “Conceptualism”) is difficult to define. Essentially it is art in which the concept or idea involved in the work takes precedence over traditional aesthetic and material concerns. To the causal onlooker, this means, at first glance, many of the works of art are not aesthetically pleasing and the viewer needs to look harder in order to appreciate the intent of the artist.
The painting shown above is by Philip Guston, an example of the type of work on display. Gutson was a painter and printmaker in the New York School, which included many of the abstract expressionists, such as Jackson Pollock.
More abstract is this painting by Victor Passmore:
The Pasmore work is from 1963. The work is designed to reflect harmony and nature. Pasmore was a leading figure in the promotion of abstract art, from the 1950s through to his death during the 1980s.
Conceptual art emerged as a movement during the 1960s. The influence of the movement is very much around today, being drawn upon by many artists.
A different painting from Lygia Clark, using only monochrome to create abstract form. These forms are designed to convey a three-dimensional structure.
Lygia Clark was a Brazilian artist best known for her painting and installation work.
Arguably the most famous artist on display is Barbara Hepworth. Hepworth (1903 – 1975) was was an English artist and sculptor.
Other three-dimensional objects are on display, such as this by Hélio Oiticica.
Oiticica was a Brazilian visual artist, best known for his participation in the Neo-Concrete Movement, for his innovative use of color, and for what he later termed “environmental art.”
A less interesting item of visual art is Naum Gabo’s “Kinetic Construction.” This is a vibrating rod inserted into a black box. The artists aim was to convey the fact the sculpture is about both space and time.
Naum Gabo was a prominent Russian sculptor in the Constructivism movement.
A different form of visual art is found with Teresa Margolles more recent “Flag”, which was made in 2009.
In some senses, placing the works in the Tate Modern building seems fitting. The building was once the Bankside Power Station and was converted into an art exhibit space during the 1990s. For those interested in conceptual art, it is a key place to visit. The average art gallery goer will be able to make up their own mind about the worth and significance of the displays.
