WORKSHEET 1 - OBJECTS AND MEANING

Let’s take a look at how the meaning of an object can change or morph once it is placed together with another unrelated object. Look at Oldenburg’s Lipsticks (Ascending) On Caterpillar Tracks. This sculpture was first shown in 1969.

What two objects has Oldenburg used in this sculpture?

Why do you think he has used these two objects?

Describe what you think the meaning of this work is:

How has the meaning of the two objects changed?

ACTIVITY 1: Consider the time in which this sculpture was created and research the social, political and artistic climate at this time. Write 100 words on how Oldenburg’s sculpture reflects the social, political and artistic issues at this time, making reference to the objects used.

ACTIVITY 2: Create your own sculpture design using 2 different objects – consider the singular meaning of each object and address the ‘new’ meaning created by your design when the objects are paired.

Elements Of Soft Sculpture

There are a number of elements which underpin Soft Sculpture, including: o Scale o Form o Colour o Texture o Pattern

Materials used in Soft Sculpture often reflect or represent a natural form or texture which is intended to evoke a specific sensation for the viewer. In this way, a relationship is formed between the physical object and our senses, as specific items remind us of certain experiences, such as the warmth of a fur coat.

Materials often used in Soft Sculpture: o Cloth o Rubber o Foam o Paper o Yarn/string o Wire o Reed o Thread o Stuffing o Rope o Wax o Starch

The creation or assemblage of Soft Sculpture is unique and very different to that of other artistic processes. The myriad of materials used by Soft Sculpture artists introduces varied skills and techniques not used in traditional forms of sculpting.

Soft Sculpture Techniques: o Weaving o Knotting o Sewing o Crochet o Knitting o Building/assemblage o Planting o Papier-mâché o Jeannie Martin, Katie Gardenia, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Lynda Benglis, Louise Bourgeois, Isabelle de Borchgrave, Joseph Bueys, Jann Haworth, Eva Hesse, Mark Jenkins

RESEARCH: Below is a list of artists who work with Soft Sculpture. Explore one of the artists listed below and discuss the different elements of Soft Sculpture in each of their bodies of work. For example; Mark Jenkins uses exaggeration of scale, form and the absence of colour in his packing tape sculptures.