Site Specific Sculpture

Yesterday we visited the Museum of Contemporary Art in Downtown San Diego. We experienced a site specific installation by Jennifer Steinkamp entitled Madame Curie. The video installation drew us in the scene and made us, the viewer a part of the artwork. Although video installations are a new form of art, the creation of artwork for specific site is not.


The history of site specific sculptures dates back to classical times. The Column of Trajan is one obvious example. This commemorative monument was erected to display the Roman Emperor's military achievements during his reign. The column was placed in the public forum so that all would have the chance to encounter it.

One location in our town of San Diego that contains site specific sculpture is the University of California San Diego Campus in La Jolla. The Stuart Collection housed on the beautiful La Jolla campus contains over a dozen site specific sculptures/installations. Look at the Stuart Collection's Website and podcasts on the website to learn about the artworks.

When you look at the artworks and subjects consider:
1. Why they were created for a college campus...and the specific location on the campus? Do college students notice the artwork? Are college students intellectually curious?
2. How do the works fit into/enhance the setting OR stand out where they are placed?
3. How does one encounter the artwork? Are the artworks subtle or obvious? Does one easily encounter them as they walk through campus or must one make an effort to encounter them?
4. What message is the artist trying to get across to the viewer of the sculpture/installation?
5. What materials are used?
6. Are the artworks made "just for art's sake" or is they a massage behind any of them (social criticism, documentation of history, allusion to history, etc.)


BONUS: Travel to the UCSD campus. (Campus Map)Take your picture with each of the sculptures. Email to me by the last day of MARCH. Write a one page reflection about your experience with contemporary art at MCA and on the UCSD Campus. In your paper/response think about the reaction you have emotionally and intellectually to contemporary art vs classical art when you view the work wither in person or in a book. + 30 Points