Work is self-expression. We must not think of self expression as something we may do or something we may not do. Self-expression is inevitable. In your work, in the way that you do your work and in the results of your work your self is expressed. Behind and before self expression is a developing awareness in the mind that effects the work. This developing awareness I will also call "the work": There is the work in our minds, the work in our hands and the work as a result.
Agnes Martin
Martin, Agnes 1992, 'On the perfection underlying life', in Writings, Winterthur, Kunstmuseum Winterthur
This is something I read in first year at Uni, (nearly three years ago) and have been coming back to ever since. It resonates for me and says a lot about process. Agnes Martin's writing on art is philosophical, often meditative and of a more mystical leaning, rather than being academic.
The essay was written with specific application to art, however it's interesting to think of these words in relation to 23 things and the discussion revolving around Tom and Dana's observations on anonymous blogging. The self will be expressed, even though no name is attached.
You can see some of Agnes Martin's work here and here.
If you're in Melbourne, go along to the NGV International and see the Guggenheim Collection. There are a couple of excellent Agnes Martin's there, though the position they have been hung in is flawed. The glass used in the framing picks up the colours of the painting hung diagonally opposite, and interferes with the works. It's on until 7th October.
This is something I read in first year at Uni, (nearly three years ago) and have been coming back to ever since. It resonates for me and says a lot about process. Agnes Martin's writing on art is philosophical, often meditative and of a more mystical leaning, rather than being academic.
The essay was written with specific application to art, however it's interesting to think of these words in relation to 23 things and the discussion revolving around Tom and Dana's observations on anonymous blogging. The self will be expressed, even though no name is attached.
You can see some of Agnes Martin's work here and here.
If you're in Melbourne, go along to the NGV International and see the Guggenheim Collection. There are a couple of excellent Agnes Martin's there, though the position they have been hung in is flawed. The glass used in the framing picks up the colours of the painting hung diagonally opposite, and interferes with the works. It's on until 7th October.
1 comment:
A thought-provoking post, Jo. I really liked the quote you provided, and I agree that it's very relevant to the task of blogging. Everything we do from when we first get up in the morning to when we switch out the light at night (or even leave it on, in some cases) is an act of self-expression. What we choose to wear is one of the most significant and obvious choices; clothes say 'I felt terrible this morning and couldn't be bothered making an effort', or 'I have a very important meeting today so need to look powerful', or 'if I didn't see this wine stain on my jacket, no-one else will, right?'
I'm really enjoying reading your blog. Thanks for making it so creative and interesting!
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