Art as process

Definition

Art as process refers to the approach where the act of creation itself becomes the primary focus of the artwork, rather than the final product. This concept emphasizes the exploration and experience of making art, often involving interaction, time, and change. By prioritizing the process, artists challenge traditional notions of art as a static object, encouraging viewers to consider the journey and methods behind the creation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Richard Serra's work often embodies art as process by using industrial materials and allowing gravity and movement to influence the final form of his sculptures.
2. Bruce Nauman's pieces frequently involve repetitive actions or gestures that emphasize duration and the artist's engagement with time as part of the creative process.
3. In both artists' works, the viewer is invited to engage with the physicality of the artwork, creating a shared experience that highlights the importance of interaction.
4. Art as process is linked to ideas of impermanence, where the act of creating can be more significant than a finished object, pushing boundaries of what constitutes art.
5. The focus on process allows for a more democratic approach to art-making, where anyone can partake in creative experiences, reflecting contemporary shifts in artistic practices.

Review Questions

• How do Richard Serra's sculptures exemplify the concept of art as process?
  • Richard Serra's sculptures exemplify art as process through their reliance on materials and gravity, emphasizing how these elements contribute to the artwork's creation. The act of installation becomes part of the art itself, allowing viewers to engage with the space and experience it dynamically. Serra often uses large steel plates that warp and shift based on environmental factors, showcasing how the process influences both structure and perception.
• In what ways does Bruce Nauman's approach reflect key aspects of art as process?
  • Bruce Nauman's approach reflects key aspects of art as process through his use of repetitive actions and performances that draw attention to time and physical presence. His works often explore themes of human behavior and motion, inviting viewers to contemplate their own participation in these acts. By focusing on actions rather than completed artworks, Nauman challenges conventional views of artistic production and encourages a deeper engagement with the creative journey.
• Evaluate how art as process challenges traditional definitions of art in contemporary practices.
  • Art as process challenges traditional definitions of art by shifting attention from finished objects to the methods and experiences involved in creating art. This perspective promotes interaction between artists and viewers, encouraging participation and collaborative experiences that redefine authorship. By valuing ephemeral moments over permanent products, contemporary practices invite new interpretations of creativity, blurring boundaries between artist, artwork, and audience in a way that reflects dynamic social and cultural contexts.

Related terms

Performance Art: A live art form where artists use their bodies as a medium to convey artistic expression, often emphasizing the ephemeral nature of the experience.

Installation Art: A three-dimensional artwork designed to transform a space, focusing on the viewer's experience and interaction within that environment.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the idea or concept behind the work takes precedence over traditional aesthetic and material concerns.