Generation and Interpretation of Sculptural Ideas in Large Scale Stone Sculptures Placed in Outdoor Public Spaces: An Analysis of the Stone Sculptures of Gerald Motondi Oroo.
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Date
2021
Authors
Wango, Kamau
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African Nature & Science Organization
Abstract
This paper presupposes that there is no artwork, in this case, large-scale outdoor
sculptural work, that is undertaken without a defined ‘intent’; the extent and
description of which depends on the individual artist and the visual impact of the
work. In examining artwork, such intent is often relegated to the sidelines and yet
it should constitute the first line of information as to why the work was created in
the first place and can form a good basis for the eventual interrogation and
interpretation of the work itself by the audience. This paper seeks to delve into the
intent of the artist in order to determine the genesis of his motivation and the
source of his inspiration and subsequently, also to determine the extent to which
the work itself is effective in propagating this intent. Although there is a reference
to the expression and expressiveness of artwork as an avenue of understanding
how artwork is generally viewed and visually examined, the core purpose of the
study gravitates around the intent of this particular artist, his motivation and
inspiration. However, in this regard, questions still abound on whether the artist’s
individual intent is ‘all encompassing’ or whether there are, indeed, other factors
that spur multiple interpretations from the audience that point to new meanings
and, therefore, make the work more interactive and engaging. The work featured
in this paper makes these arguments even more significant because firstly, they
are executed by the same individual and secondly, the pieces were conceived and
executed on-site in different countries raising the prospect of intense contextual
and cultural implications. The intriguing question that lingers is whether the
artist’s personal creative intent is relevant or he is entangled by communal
thematic expectations to which he must conform since the work is in the people’s
space. This immediately raises questions about the role of ‘outsider’ artist in some
instances, in the generation of subject matter and the role of outdoor sculpture
placed in public spaces which are expected, in essence, to be in contextual
resonance with the local community. The sculptures are large stone sculptures placed in outdoor spaces and done in various media such as marble, granite and soapstone. The work is located in different sites in various countries.
Description
An Article Published in International Journal of Advanced Research
Keywords
Sculpture, Public Spaces, Stone, Intent, Interpretation, Audience, Style, Technique
Citation
Wango, K. (2021). Generation and Interpretation of Sculptural Ideas in Large Scale Stone Sculptures Placed in Outdoor Public Spaces: An Analysis of the Stone Sculptures of Gerald Motondi Oroo. International Journal of Advanced Research, 3(1), 86- 114. https://doi.org/10.37284/ijar.3.1.329