Nowadays technology, especially the smartphone and internet, has been radically reshaping every aspect on our life. Of course sculpture is not an exception.
I have a few random thoughts on how the smart phone and mobile internet can possibly change the way viewers interact with the sculpture and its artist.
( the sculpture above is by renowned artist Anish Kapoor )
- In the future, every public art will have its own 2D barcode. Viewers can use their phone to scan the barcode and it leads them to a web page, allowing them to
- Browse more background info on this piece of work: why and how it is made, The page can even play some video clips on the manufacturing process.
- The page even allows viewers to interact with the artist in a living way. I can imagine it is not difficult to connect with the barcode with an instant messager like Skype or Google Talk. The viewers can chat with artist, ask questions and get answered, etc.
- The artist’s bio, his/her career path, other works, his own statement of this work.
You can see, at this stage, the relation between artwork, viewers and artists has changed. It is more interactive; it deepens viewer’s understanding about the work and the artist. The viewers get more involved with public art.
On the other hand, with some statistic data, artist can even know how many people view his work, like or dislike the work. Honest feedback is possible now.
I can expect the trending will be around corner.
What do you think ? I expect your comments.
I can never imagine that there would come a time when I as an artist could or would be available to answer …questions about my work, that is for someone else to do, once I have made the work and handed to over, my part must end, or I could never move on to make new work.
I disagree with Ms Walsh. I have found viewers’ insights or their misunderstandings to be tremendously helpful. Moreover, it helps establish relationships with potential clients (I have long since quit dealing through galleries) I do agree with Ms Walsh on one matter–I don’t think I could always be available to answer questions or comments “live.”
Even acknowledging a viewer comment makes them feel more invested in the sculpture, the sculptor and the sculptor’s work.
Negative or misunderstanding comments can be answered on an updated page accessible from the bar code.
The other aspect of the instant video and info is a simple fact of retailing. An older sculptor told me years ago, “You can sell nearly anything if it has a story behind it.” It doe not have to be a story about the meaning of a work–it can be about its inspiration or fabrication. As one of my best gallery dealers told me years ago, “Joel, we could sell a rusted bucket you brought in if you have a good story to go with it.” It would be crass to sell rusty buckets as art that way, but not in poor taste at all to sell good art.
Joel,
Thanks for your comment.
My point is that the combination of internet, especially the social media, with the public art can get viewers more engaged and make them not only viewing but also communicating with artists even with each others.
This can create a healthy feedback circle of artists- artworks- audiences.