Claire Fleckenstein’s “Woman” is a monochromatic (black and white) flipbook that explores the transitory nature of a definition. The cover includes the quotation “any interpretation is at best temporary…and open to challenge” and her work fully embodies the statement by fading in different words that are associated with the word “woman.” It is clear that the choice of displayed words (“female,” “mother,” “housewife,” feminist,” dyke” and “whore”) is very deliberate and important to the content, which becomes immediately clear as the viewer interacts with the piece. It is obvious that Claire took care with the construction of the book, for it feels sturdy even though it is on rather flimsy printer paper, which is important when viewers will be handling the piece. She also succeeded in naturally fading the words in and out by introducing them with light shades of grade, gradually increasing the saturation of the words until they stand out as bold and black, and then fading out into gray once again as a new word is introduced. In terms of form, a flipbook is difficult to display, for it obviously requires viewers to interact with the piece; one cannot simply gaze at the cover to understand it. However, by placing the book on top of a large column the book draws attention to itself, for books are normally everyday objects thrown on a shelf, so the display implies that there must be something special about the book. In fact, I think that her choice of medium and display was effective in transferring the content, for it immediately invites viewers to pick the book up and flip through the pages to see what is so special about this particular book. In the end, Claire’s piece is successful in that it makes the viewer think: clearly, definitions are not static.
This blog has been created as a space to post and critique project examples from our class. ART 111 "Introduction to the Studio" is a beginning level studio course designed to introduce and ground students in core principles of art making in a rigorous, hands on studio. These principles will be taught through a series of practical exercises using traditional and digital tools. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills, knowledge of materials, methods of observation and translation, collaboration, discussion, and creative discipline.
Maia Larson
ReplyDeleteClaire Fleckenstein’s “Woman” is a monochromatic (black and white) flipbook that explores the transitory nature of a definition. The cover includes the quotation “any interpretation is at best temporary…and open to challenge” and her work fully embodies the statement by fading in different words that are associated with the word “woman.” It is clear that the choice of displayed words (“female,” “mother,” “housewife,” feminist,” dyke” and “whore”) is very deliberate and important to the content, which becomes immediately clear as the viewer interacts with the piece.
It is obvious that Claire took care with the construction of the book, for it feels sturdy even though it is on rather flimsy printer paper, which is important when viewers will be handling the piece. She also succeeded in naturally fading the words in and out by introducing them with light shades of grade, gradually increasing the saturation of the words until they stand out as bold and black, and then fading out into gray once again as a new word is introduced.
In terms of form, a flipbook is difficult to display, for it obviously requires viewers to interact with the piece; one cannot simply gaze at the cover to understand it. However, by placing the book on top of a large column the book draws attention to itself, for books are normally everyday objects thrown on a shelf, so the display implies that there must be something special about the book. In fact, I think that her choice of medium and display was effective in transferring the content, for it immediately invites viewers to pick the book up and flip through the pages to see what is so special about this particular book. In the end, Claire’s piece is successful in that it makes the viewer think: clearly, definitions are not static.