Objecthood

Definition

Objecthood refers to the quality or state of being an object, particularly in art, where it emphasizes the physicality and presence of the artwork as an entity in space. In post-minimalism, objecthood becomes a critical lens through which artists engage with materiality, structure, and viewer interaction, challenging traditional notions of sculpture and representation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Objecthood in post-minimalism often rejects traditional artistic hierarchies by treating everyday materials as legitimate artistic mediums.
2. Artists like Donald Judd and Robert Morris explored objecthood by creating works that emphasized their physical presence and spatial relationships.
3. The term highlights a shift from focusing solely on representation to considering the experience of the viewer with the object itself.
4. Post-minimalist artists used repetition and modularity to challenge preconceived notions of singularity and uniqueness in art.
5. Objecthood has implications for how viewers interact with artworks, encouraging active engagement rather than passive observation.

Review Questions

• How does objecthood challenge traditional notions of art in post-minimalism?
  • Objecthood challenges traditional notions of art by emphasizing the physical presence of the artwork itself rather than its representational qualities. In post-minimalism, artists focus on the materiality and spatial relationships of their works, inviting viewers to engage with them as tangible objects in space. This shift encourages a reconsideration of how art is perceived and interacted with, moving away from merely visual appreciation to a more immersive experience.
• Discuss the relationship between objecthood and materiality in post-minimalist art practices.
  • In post-minimalist art practices, objecthood is intrinsically linked to materiality, as artists intentionally select and utilize everyday materials to create their works. This relationship emphasizes the importance of the physical properties of these materials, which contribute to the overall meaning and experience of the artwork. By focusing on objecthood, artists not only highlight the significance of materials but also challenge viewers to consider their interaction with these objects beyond aesthetic value.
• Evaluate how the concept of objecthood influences viewer interaction with contemporary artworks.
  • The concept of objecthood significantly influences viewer interaction by encouraging active engagement rather than passive observation. In contemporary artworks that emphasize objecthood, viewers are invited to explore the physicality, scale, and context of the pieces, leading to a more personal and immersive experience. This shift in focus allows for diverse interpretations and connections between the viewer and the artwork, ultimately reshaping our understanding of art as a relational experience rather than just a visual one.

Related terms

Materiality: The physical substance of artworks, highlighting the importance of the materials used in creating art and how they contribute to its meaning.

Site-Specificity: Artworks that are designed for a specific location, taking into account the surrounding environment and context, thus altering the perception of objecthood.

Phenomenology: A philosophical approach that focuses on the subjective experience of individuals and how they perceive objects and their surroundings.