Richard Serra's Sculpture

A detailed Summary of Richard Serra's Sculpture


Art has a different meaning for everyone. As individual as each human being is, so is the autonomy of each individual's art. Just as opinions differ, the many expressions of human emotions differ. In the mindset that art is everything and everything is art, one must look at every aspect, at every angle to truly understand what it means. Be it rage, indifference, joy, or loathing, the true beauty of response would be lost, without the art being part of its surrounding environment.

Douglas Crimp, author of the essay "Serra's Public Sculpture: Redefining Site Specificity", represents this point very concisely. In this essay, he defines the many controversies behind the sculptures of Richard Serra, revealing the true importance of location. Through this revelation, he draws a parallel between a judgmental society and the supposed hypocrisy of institutionalized artwork.

Is art really intended for the environment that the artist chooses? As Crimp defines his initial viewing of Serra's work, it is clearly evi


The connection between art and its environment is a fundamental debate to the author. In the opinion of the author, removing a work of art from its intended environment is an outright attempt to destroy the work. The article supports this point by citing the various controversies surrounding many of Serra's sculptures and by elaborating upon the "ignorance" of those in society who have tried to destroy or deface Serra's work.

The essay traces the development of the artist's work, from installations in gallery spaces, to large outdoor installments. Tilted Arc is the first work discussed at length. In this description, Crimp relates the ultimate removal of the piece to the public's lack of understanding site-specific artwork. The next two sculptures, Strike and Sight Point, describe the beginning of Serra's need to incorporate the help of others. The works became so large and heavy, that manufacturing plants, construction equipment and physical labor became a necessity in the erection of the pieces. The a

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 683
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Arts

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