The classification provides four or more codes placed on four axis (A - formalism, B - matériality, C - involvement body/mind, D - communication). These codes are positionning the artist in the art history.
A axis : FORMALISM
When looking at the work, what type of formalisation first strikes the eye? Is it more abstract or more figurative, etc ? (on a scale from more "immaterial" to more "realist").A140 : Abstracts Geometrical constructs: Hard Edge, Minimalism, Neo-Minimalism
From "Concrete Art" to "Minimalist Art", all shapes or colors treated in a strictly orthogonal way, reducing sensitivity to a minimum (Joseph Albers, Mondrian, Gorin, Ad Reinhardt, "monochromes" by Rodtchenko, Frank Stella, Peter Halley, J. Armleder, R.M. Trockel, ... and in sculpture; Carl André, Sol Lewitt, Tony Cragg, ...). A500 : Forms of "Realism"
Differents ways of observing the realities of the world, from a point of view of: "Brechtian"
"Distanciation" of figures with explicit socio-political convictions, with the aim of changing social or political realities (André Fougeron, Groupe DDP, Renato Guttuso, …), or at least "critical" of such realities (Peter Saul, Cindy Sherman, Equipo Cronica, B.Rancillac, ...).
B axis : MATERIALITY
How does the materiality of what is shown come across?
(on a scale from more "immaterial" to more "real").B220 : Materiality
in painting, but also with all other materials with the following possibilities: Structured predominance of volumes
particularly in sculpture and assemblages. Specially for "Minimal Art" and its derivatives (Sol Le Witt, Tony Smith, …). B200 : Materiality
in painting, but also with all other materials with the following possibilities: Structured with colours predominant
with their intrinsic or symbolic strength, (Monory's "blues", G.Fromanger's "reds") historical or social meaning etc., and their structuring, the colours here are the most important (Jules Olitsky, Peter Halley, ...). B210 : Materiality
in painting, but also with all other materials with the following possibilities: Structured with materials predominant
their thickness, composition or the way they are worked as structures (the way they are "built up") are here the most important aspect (Eugène Leroy, Bertrand Lavier, ...).
C axis : INVOLVEMENT BODY/ MIND
With what body:mind ratio does the artist enter into his work?
Classify from the most "intellectual" (e.g."Concept Art"...) to the most "physical" (e.g. "Body Art", ...).C110 : towards the intellectual side/ the essence of things conceptual levels specific questionings
from Bruce Naumann to Daniel Buren; the "Art System" questions its own foundations or its history (C.M Mariani, Wim Delvoye, Komar et Melamid, ...). C120 : towards the intellectual side/ the essence of things inward looking work chiefly oriented towards: projective
dreams, poetry, lyricism, psychedelic experience … to "project" an inner world (Henri Michaux, Wols, ...).
D axis : COMMUNICATION
Does the artist have the deliberate intention to convey a message of any sort through his work?
(classified from the most "mystical" to the most "worldly").D190 : tending towards the worldly by decorations, illuminations, murals, or more broadly, outdoor creations in public places
More committed to a cause; Fernand Léger, D.A. Siqueiros, Diego Riveira, Orozco, Candido Portinari ...
- more decorative; D. Buren, etc., ... D115 : via what is meant in various narrations or symbolisms whatever they may be
allegorical, metaphorical (J. Beuys' "materials", ...), analytical (Mario Merz's "Fibonacci series", or those of Robert Filliou, ...), critical (from Henri Cueco to Hans Haacke or Guillaume Bijl, ...). D110 : via what is meant with various spiritual or less marked religious influences
(from Barnett Newman to Mark Rothko, from Roman Opalka to Arnulf Rainer, ...).
Alain SALOMON
www.alain-salomon.com |
