Charles Beck
...subjects of this piece of art (four carved wooden fish) were suspended from fishing line, giving the illusion of a lightweight feeling, as if under water. This realistically portrayed subject matter consisted of several related forms working together in an open space. Space, in this particular piece, became a crucial aspect to the presentation of the piece. If the fish were set on a base, they would appear lifeless or inanimate. Instead, the negative space surrounding each fish allowed for separate objects to be viewed as lively creatures. The viewpoint of this specific work, unlike a two dimensional painting, encompassed every angle, as I was able to circle the piece and look down into the mirror base to experience an untraditional but effective form of viewing. This type of ‘floating’ sculptural piece allows the viewer to interact and become a participant in the work at hand. Stylistically, this contemporary modern artist is well known for his woodcut abilities and carvings, using rather traditional means to creating art when considering the evolution of artistic styles throughout many centuries. Specifically, sculpture in many forms has been significant in the art world since prehistoric ages. While Fish does not necessarily resemble one specific accepted style in terms of historical artistic approaches, it is clear that his use of paint and carving are devices used in 20th Century sculpture and utilized in unique ways to express the particular artist’s vision. In this case, Beck’s representation of the carved fish is not necessarily a complex trompe l’oeil that could be mistaken for actual fish hanging from fishing line but instead, a simplified but easily recognizable form of display. The artistic approach displayed by Beck is one in which Janson would describe as creative, thoughtful and original. His use of simple forms to convey a naturally calming subject provides insight into this artist’s mind and goal. In the same breath, the traditional technique of representational art creates a familiarity for the viewer to relate to his work. The meaning behind Fish may not be stated clearly, yet the feeling that is created can be described as peaceful and contemplative. It is evident that the interaction between Beck’s intentions and the imagination of the viewer are of equal importance in the idea of creating an effective piece of art, meaning that it serves an important purpose in the life of both parties and contributes to their outlook on life. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed viewing the fish display. It personally was the most compelling piece in the sense that it created a visual impression in terms of the interaction I as a viewer experienced. At first glance, it could appear that the subject matter consisted of fish that had been caught, but in actuality, these fish depict a calm and...