Project+3-Prosthetic

=**Project 4- Prosthetic Sculpture:**=

In this project, you will use a combination of wood, plaster and casting to construct a sculptural prosthetic apparatus. This prosthesis must do one of the following things:

Or Or
 * Connect the users body to the architecture around it in a novel way**
 * Connect two users’ bodies together, either limiting or enhancing some collaborative function**
 * Significantly force a change to some function of the users abilities.**

Your apparatus can enhance or impede body function, change the wearers relationship to the surrounding space, or define a body’s relationship to another person’s body. After designing the functional aspects of your sculpture, you must design the formal aspects, such as the style, form, and decorative aspects. The combination of function and formal will create context and meaning. For example, a corset designed in a delicate lace with decorative baubles both indicates the appearance of femininity and delicacy while contradicting the sheer force and compression involved in the fitting.

Question to research: How does function plus form create meaning?

Use language to describe scenarios:

Body Functions: Run, limp, talk, sweat, scratch, eat, pace, faint, etc.

Relationship to surrounding Space: fill a room, see around a corner, map space, wall flower, etc.

Dialogue with another body: shake hands, kiss, stare into eyes, lean on me, head on shoulder, etc.

How could these terms color our conception of an art work. A word like “pacing” carries with it a nervous connotation. Might that influence our reading of a work differently than one that uses “run” as an inspiration? Some approaches to this problem can highlight intimacy, some control and others a combination of the two. During your research and sketching, consider the physical manifestations of the functions you are interested in, as well as the broader social implications.

Remember, the materials you will be using will allow you to create some level of mechanical variety, though actual function may be limited. You might focus your investigation into areas of metaphor instead. Also, pay attention to how things like balance, texture, proportion, and scale can affect reading of your work. Don't be afraid to exaggerate and focus on detail.

You also need to design how the work will attach to the body. These attachments can also figure into the concept of the work. Hold, carry, wedge, strap, lock, fitted, lean, balance, etc.

You will present your work on a figure, as well as turning in a short video demonstration of your work being “preformed."

For next class:

Sketches and descriptions of 15 possible solutions to the project. I will meet with each of you to go over your ideas.

Due date: Final Critique



















































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Artists to research: Rebecca Horn, Krzysztof Wodiczko, Lucy Orta, Matthew Barney, Erwin Wurm [|Wearable muscial instrument] [|Wearable sculptures] [|rebecca horn article]