Exploring a Work of Art - Essay Example

Exploring an Object Step Initial Exploration and Analysis This work involves the exploration of a toilet paper roll. Toilet paper is a three-dimensional object. The tissue paper consists of a roll of fine and soft paper that is rolled many times around a hollow cardboard. The soft paper is made in such a way that it can easily disintegrate when it comes to contact with water. It is available in virtually all households. For the purposes of this study, a white toilet paper is analyzed. This type of toilet paper has a cylindrical shape owing to the cylindrical nature of the relatively hard cardboard. It is light in weight. Usually, the piece of paper is rolled around the hard cardboard so that it can roll out easily when being used. The long length of paper is segmented using dotted lines to make it easy to tear when in use. The dotted lines are symmetrically placed to ensure a uniform utilization of the paper. Several folds exist at specific lengths from each other. Due the presence of perforation or pores at specific sections of the paper, it can easily be used by people. The hollow part of the cylindrical cardboard is placed on a holder that serves as the pivot when the paper is rolled. During use, it is rolled several times as it revolves about the holder. The toilet paper is usually translucent and only allows minimal intensity if light to pass through it. The hollow cardboard is rough and compact and consists of an interior white color and exterior brown color. The brown color is concealed by the rolls of the toilet paper but once the roll is completely utilized, the brown color is visible. Whereas, the white color is visible via the hollow part, the hollow part is made of hard paper than the one used on toilet paper rolls. The hard brown card does not disintegrate in water. The toilet rolls have a sweet fragrance that oozes out of them to give a feeling of relaxation. The perfume brings a feeling of freshness and the white color a sense of cleanliness. The color is appealing and creates a feeling of confidence. Art category This work of art falls in the category of functional art category. (Lecture notes, AAD 251: Arts and Visual Literacy). Its functionality lies in its usage. People can use the toilet paper in the toilets. This describes its functionality as a work of art. Unlike some works of art that are merely displayed in rooms and buildings, this work of art serves a significant and almost unparalleled role in the toilet. It is also not as delicate as other works of art. Some works of art are brittle and can easily break down. The toilet paper only disintegrates when it is exposed to water. The toilet paper is not sensitive compared to other fine art categories like fine art pictures that require much attention when holding (Lecture notes, Design: Judging Design ). Image Styles The image style that is significant to my experience with the object is representational art. Representational art is where an object is clearly recognizable for what it is. The object indicates the relationships of a person to nature. Trees are used in the manufacture of the toilet paper through paper processing mills. Representation art stimulates the left hemisphere of the brain through its intellectual content and gives non-verbal stimuli to the right hemisphere of the brain (Fuzzy Logic 101). In my encounter with the toilet paper roll, it is easy to see from far that it is a white roll but until I had a closer look did I notice the patterns on it and its texture. The color of the paper is bright to promote its visibility and increase its association with people. This is because people tend to love bright colors. Dull colors are often overlooked by consumers. The dotted lines and the perfume enhance the look of the toilet paper roll making it look extravagant. Its packing technique makes it attractive and easily identifiable by consumers of the commodity. The design is tailored to resonate with the consumer’s expectations and spells out their preference. The toilet paper could be viewed from the perspective of functionalism style. The object is good and performs its motive well. The purpose of toilet paper is to make the washroom encounter enjoyable. The way the toilet paper is designed with absorbent papers makes it comfortable and serves the purpose well. The way the toilet paper is packaged in a circular manner makes it easier for use. This could be related to the style of expressionism. This is because the object provokes the emotions of confidence and pride. Step 2: Research The toilet paper roll picture Source: Walmart Stores. "Sparkle Pick-A-Size Giant Rolls Paper Towels Thirst Pockets, 107 Sheets, 8 Rolls." Walmart.com. Walmart Stores, Inc., 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 27 Dec. 2014. . The above source provides a link for the toilet paper roll. The toilet paper roll is an example of a product readily available in the market and the way they are packaged. According to Abraham Maslow, values are importantly equivalent to requirements, and they are hierarchical in nature. The levels are founded on deficits in that individuals tend to value what they lack at the next greater level. For a higher level to become important, the lower-order level must be satisfied. Only one value is greater than others at a given time (Kahle et al. 111). In social motives, I would be more interested in a toilet paper roll that is of high quality. By this, I mean one that has the right layers of toilet sheets and which is absorbent and easy to flush. The fragrance is okay but also if they are in various flavors would be more exciting. The toilet paper roll has influenced by choice through the white color and the fragrance. It has also influenced my response to the object because it is preferred over other products of toilet paper rolls that do not possess the same qualities. Maker’s intent: I experience the toilet paper in the way the maker had intended because when I need a toilet paper roll, I always go for this particular product because it has distinctive features from others. I have also discovered other ways of using the toilet paper roll that may not be the manufacturer’s objective such wiping dirt off my hands. I also use creatively to make art objects. A good example is when the toilet paper roll is used to make art objects for children whom they love because of their look and texture after the glue is dry (Cole 642). The Design: The toilet papers have standard designs and shape. This is because most toilet paper rolls are in a cylindrical shape. This kind of shape does not occupy a lot of space therefore it is perfect for most of the environment they are used. On the other hand, if manufacturers would venture into other shapes that would fit the standard sizes of the current toilet paper rolls would be creative and more challenging to consumers. Surprising/unexpected discovery: During my exploration, I discovered that the hollow core of the toilet paper had several rolls of the cardboard. This discovery caught me by surprise as I did not know this before the exploration, I just imagined it was a solid, hollow cardboard. Step 3: Art The toilet paper belongs into the visual categories of art. Most manufacturing companies sponsor visual adverts that seek to promote the use of the object as a cleansing instrument. To achieve this, visual tactics and strategies are needed. Visual tactics and strategies help in marketing the commodity so that a larger percentage of the target market can know about its existence and purchase it. These strategies are always tailored to meet a wide range of would-be buyers. The works of art like any other pieces of work can also be used to attract monetary gains. Artists may have an intrinsic motivation to work on and display their art. However, the daily urge to meet human demands compels them to sell their skills. To do so, proper strategies must be put in place to ensure that the commodity in display attracts buyers. Visual strategies serve this purpose. It involves the use of media in advertising products and commodities to make them reach a wider range of customer base. The images in the media shape and influence the preference of buyers. In America, it is estimated that a person of 20 years has been exposed to one million advertising messages. These images are usually of fine art that is displayed by great artists. Recognizing these tactics helps one to become visually literate. The images impact on the society and influence the culture of the society. According to Cole, visual culture is an important direction for modern art educators who are dedicated to studying social justice issues and promoting democratic principles through their teaching (642). This research looks into how visual culture education can strengthen students to understand and meaningfully participate in the cultural and ideological struggles placed within the everyday visual encounter. The author studies the work of resistance theorists and socially participating artists, including culture jammers, with an aim to support and inspire the learning and teaching of visual culture. The research concluded with an examination of culture production as a pedagogical strategy within the visual culture environment for producing and facilitating student understanding, awareness and active engagement in the socio-cultural realm (645). An article by Manovich (2009) points out that visual arts attract a lot of people. The author wonders if the people’s identities and imaginations are more strongly colonized by commercial media now than in the previous century. He argues that today people make their cultural products that go after the templates established by the professionals and/or are dependent on professional content. In the journal, the tactics are defined as the methods in which persons negotiate strategies that were established for them. A perfect example of a strategy is where governments or corporations creates a city layout, driving, and parking and signage rules and publishes official maps. Tactics refer to how people walk through the city. For example, wandering aimlessly, navigating through favorite routes and taking shortcuts. This is to say that people cannot physically reorganize the city, but can adapt it to their needs by selecting how to move through it. After reading the information from the two journals, I realized that in my case, the strategy of the toilet paper is to be used in lavatories of households, offices, restaurant and any other place suitable for their use. The tactic in this case is how I decide to use the toilet paper, for example, in the bathroom, using it to wipe off dirt from my hands, shoes or dirt. Even though I cannot change the way the toilet paper is manufactured, I can use it for various purposes. The visual advertisement about the use of toilet papers has been through the images of the toilet papers and powerful messages that entice the audience. These images are designed to bring the attention of the audience to the reality about the existence of this commodity. The strategy works well for the companies that advertise the product and increases their chances of making more profits because of increased viewership (notes on Visual Tactics and Strategies). The use of toilet paper cuts across the age and gender in the family unit. However, there have been reported cases in third world countries in which the toilet paper is regarded as a luxury commodity by some families. Most of these individuals reside in a state of dire poverty levels where they live on less than a dollar a day and usually fail to meet even the most basic commodities such as food, clothing and shelter. In such situations, the use of toilet paper cannot be expected as it cannot take precedence over the necessity of food and clothing (Williamson 97). Aesthetic systems In exploring the toilet paper roll in aesthetic systems, I will consider indigenous and Christian aesthetics. The Christian aesthetics is founded on the Bible teachings and the life of Christians. The nature of the world is expressed in the form of statements to bring out the opinion of individuals on aesthetic qualities. The nature is believed to have a creator who is God (Lecture notes Christian Aesthetics). The indigenous aesthetics is based on the dream that the people of a particular culture had about the universe. This is in regard to how they viewed the world since its being, to the present and the future. The information that I refer to is associated with the Australian Aborigines and the Native American Indians. The people linked their art to their way of life, the availability of materials used and the things that they valued most in life. A good example is ground and rock drawing in the central desert in Australia (Lecture notes Indigenous Aesthetics). Christian aesthetics The toilet paper roll can fit in the Christian aesthetics because it represents a piece of art that is found in the washroom. The toilet paper roll is part of my daily life. The toilet paper satisfies the purpose of art which is an expression. Aesthetic statement that can express the opinion of how the toilet paper looks like is “the toilet has a nice pattern”. The opinion is triggered by the instant emotional reaction. In reference to the evangelical theory that states that a meaningful statement must be founded on the Bible teaching, the toilet paper roll can be employed to refer to the idea of dignity or honor. The toilet paper is utilized by people in cleaning after using the toilet that brings out a sense of dignity despite the fact that they are sinful (Lecture notes Christian Aesthetics). The toilet paper roll is in line with the third key to understanding aesthetic which is a moral dimension. It is believed that cleanliness is second to godliness, and the toilet paper promotes cleanliness. Therefore, the object makes sense in the lives of the Christians. The toilet paper roll does not qualify to be an excellent piece of art. According to the Christian aesthetics, an excellent piece of art is one that lasts (Lecture notes Christian aesthetics). In this case, the toilet paper roll is replaced with a new, unused one once it is exhausted, and that cannot qualify to be durable. It is because the toilet paper roll that replaces the used one must not necessarily look exactly to the first one. As a matter of fact, the designs of the toilet paper roll changes with time and there is no constant model (Lecture notes Christian Aesthetics). Indigenous aesthetics The toilet paper roll does not fit in the indigenous aesthetics. This is because it does not tell a religious or spiritual norm of story. The toilet paper roll was not used by indigenous people rather they used other means of cleaning after using the toilet. The toilet paper roll may not appeal to the natives because the indigenous way of art consists of a piece of work that contains traditional meaning and content. The material used to manufacture the toilet paper is processed and cannot be associated with any natural element. For example, if the toilet paper was produced by a bark or canvas, then it would have indigenous aesthetics. The toilet paper roll does not emphasize art for the community’s sake. In addition, it has no ethics, spirituality and beauty in aesthetics contrasts. Moreover, it does not target a particular tribal audience and is not associated to animals, nature, land and tribal traditions (Lecture notes Indigenous Aesthetics). Step 4: Interpretational perspectives Symbolic The two symbolic systems used to explore the toilet paper roll is love and Christian symbolism. There are various symbols for the two systems, and the toilet paper roll will assume the most suitable symbol. In reference to the Christian symbolism, the toilet paper roll can be used to symbolize a scroll. The scroll contained scripts and proposed that the person in possessing them was an author. The idea is that the scroll is folded for storage just like how the toilet paper roll is folded in cylindrical movements (Lecture notes Christian Symbols). From the perspective of love symbolism, the scented toilet paper roll can assume the role of Jasmine. According to the love symbolism Jasmine, is a white flower that is strongly scented to represent the Hindu symbol of love (Lecture Notes Love Symbolism). From this concept, the object is explored based on its function in society and its meaning to the people. The toilet paper roll is created to signify hygiene in the washrooms. The use of the toilet paper roll symbolizes civilization. In the olden days people used materials such as seaweed, grass, snow, straw, coconut shells newspapers to clean after defecation and urination. The toilet paper roll is mostly utilized in the modern toilets that use flash after use. It is appropriate for this purpose because of its solubility ability (Lecture notes Interpretational perspectives). Socio-cultural The toilet paper roll reflects the western culture. It is linked to the modern styles of toilets that are used. This increases its demand because everyone in the world wants to be part of the dynamic concepts. People in the community want to feel accepted and connected to others through embracing proper sanitation that displays a sense of hygiene (Lecture notes Interpretational perspectives). The social history of the toilet paper roll is based on the invention of the flushing toilets. The first toilet was designed for Queen Elizabeth by her godson John Harrington (Showalter 10). The toilet paper is manufactured and displayed in all supermarkets for sale. It is readily accepted in the contemporary culture and is believed to be appropriate for proper sanitation. The mere knowledge that the toilet paper roll was used by royals makes people from all social have the sense to be associated with it (Lecture notes Interpretational perspectives). History of images and design In this perspective, the object is viewed from the history of similar visual imagery and POEs (Lecture notes Interpretational perspectives). The invention of toilet paper surfaced in 1391 in China. However, the history of toilet paper dates back to 589 AD in Korea. In those days, it was manufactured in the form of large sheets that were perfumed for Chinese emperor’s family hygiene. The toilet paper sheets measured 2ft by 3ft. In the United States, Joseph C. Gayetty developed the first wrapped toilet paper in 1857. The toilet paper was named ‘Gayetty’s Medicated Paper’ that was sold in wraps of flat sheets. The toilet sheets were watermarked with his name and medicated with aloe. Another inventor by the name Seth Wheeler of Albany developed the toilet paper sold on a roll that is perforated. This opened the way for the modern two-ply soft toilet paper (Toilet Paper History para 4). Environmental The physical effect of the toilet paper on the environment is that it leads to clearing of forests. There are numerous aspects that lead to the increased utilization of the toilet paper. The sanitation improvements, growing population and adoption of Western lifestyles are some of the elements that increase the demand for the toilet paper roll. This results to an average of 270,000 trees being cut every day to satisfy the demand for the toilet paper rolls (Noelle para 4). The trees are grown to produce the toilet paper rolls needs a lot of water that is not available. An example is in China where the trees put a lot of stress on water supplies (Noelle para 7). The physical effect of the toilet paper presence is that it minimizes the rate of deaths that occur due to poor sanitation. According to the United Nations, about 42,000 people die weekly due to illnesses associated with lack of sanitation (Noelle para 24). According to the report the toilet paper use is linked to improved sanitation that prevents such diseases. Therefore, the toilet paper roll has both advantages and disadvantages of its use to the environment. The toilet paper roll manufacturers can come with other effective ways of manufacturing it. For example recycling paper that reduces the waste dumped into the environment. As a result, this can minimize the possibility of air and land pollution from the paper waste. The toilet paper roll is made of highly soluble material that means it is easy to decompose; hence it is eco-friendly (Lecture notes Interpretational perspectives). The attitude towards the toilet paper roll is that it enhances the concept of good hygiene in the washroom. It is quite simple to use and does not leave a trace of dirt on the user. The bright colors used in various toilet paper rolls promote the sense of cleanliness. Functionalist The toilet paper roll function is a commodity for sale. It is meant to make the cleaning after urination and defecation comfortable. The toilet paper rolls are used for other functions such as making expressive faces (Lecture notes Interpretational perspectives). The expressive faces are created by disintegrating the toilet paper rolls and covering them with pigments and shellac (Nye para 2). The toilet paper roll can be used for other cleaning purposes, such as, wiping spills and messes. The toilet paper rolls are packed in various sizes that satisfy different people’s need for use. Formalist The toilet paper roll is created by rolling two-ply sheets of paper on a cylindrical hollow cardboard. The sheets of paper are rolled using a machine that aligns them in an orderly manner. The cardboard gives the toilet paper roll a structure that is stable and can be stored in various forms, for example, vertically, horizontally or suspending from a support. The white color is commonly used to bring out the feeling of cleanliness (Lecture notes Interpretational perspectives). Behaviorist People interact with the toilet paper roll with ease. The toilet paper roll is associated with good hygiene and modern lifestyle. Different individuals go for different colors and patterns to impress others with their taste or satisfy their sense of pride. There are various toilet paper roll dispensers made from different materials and shapes to fulfill different people’s desires. The toilet paper dispensers are designed in various forms that will attract people based on their likes. For instance, they come in colors that match with the washroom décor and this enhances art and beauty. The toilet paper roll plays a personal role and hence the individual character is reflected on the choice of the item (Lecture notes Interpretational perspectives). Gender and sexual orientation The toilet paper roll was not created for a particular sexual and gender orientation. Historically, it was produced for the royal families. From this perspective, the toilet paper was associated with the high society. In my opinion, the toilet paper roll is associated with a person’s standard of living, level of civilization and hygiene. It is a basic commodity that should be available in every household (Lecture notes Interpretational perspectives). The toilet paper role does not discriminate against any gender or sex. From the perspective of commercial manufacture, the toilet paper rolls are available in various colors and shapes. For example, color pink is highly associated with females and blue color with males and is available in the market. The commonly used color is white that is neutral and does not dictate the type of users. Step 5: Interpersonal Perspectives One way that I could influence my experience with the object would have been to dye the roll to achieve a different color. A different colored toilet paper roll will not generate a feeling of class and cleanliness but on the contrary, it would bring a feeling of low class. In addition, I would change the conditions of the toilet paper. For example, I would make it moist. In this case, it will evoke the feeling of mess, dirt and unhygienic, something that is very disgusting. Using the Gardener’s Intelligence Domains, it assumes that the human organism has seven clear units of functioning. The seven functions were leveling vs. sharpening, scanning, tolerance for unrealistic experiences and constricted vs. flexible control. The author marks these units intelligence each with its measurable and observable capabilities (Manovich 325). I am an individual who loves cleanliness and order and the use of the toilet paper complements my personality. The bodily-kinesthetic intelligence guided the exploration of this particular object. The fact that I enjoy looking at the environment and enjoying the nature has developed my naturalistic intelligence, and this has perfected my ability to interpret, observe and establish meaning from the environment. The white toilet roll stimulates a feeling of ease and calm, when touched its softness and fluffiness encourage one to go on and use it. Its fragrance brings about the feeling of comfort and on personality, and it brings about composure. It is a common belief that white represents purity. Therefore, the color white on the toilet paper roll is consistent with the belief. Judgments and Conclusion Even though toilet paper is necessary for use in human life, it is considered a luxury in some parts of the world. People in low economic households have not embraced the use of the toilet paper. In conclusion, the toilet paper roll is an important part of daily experiences that is fulfilling human needs. Without the toilet paper rolls, the life in the bathrooms would be miserable and frustrating. This statement reminds me of a proverb “every cloud has a silver lining” meaning some people may visualize something as valueless while in the real sense it is of high value. The toilet paper fulfills the basic needs of human beings because food is one of the basic needs, and people need to visit the washroom regularly for urination and defecation. Its usage encourages high sense of hygiene and ensures that the health standards are met. This is evident from the original intent of the maker to help in the flush toilets. In addition, it represents the degree of personal hygiene, and it will be embraced in the future. Designs and sizes may change, but the concept of the toilet paper roll will remain. Works Cited Cole, Thomas B. "Group of Artists." JAMA 307.7 (2012): 642-642. Kahle, Lynn R., et al. "Maslow’s hierarchy and social adaptation as alternative accounts of value structures." Values, lifestyles and psychographics (1997): 111-138. Lecture notes, Human Intelligence Domains. Lecture notes, AAD 251: Arts and Visual Literacy Lecture notes, Image Styles Lecture notes, Design: Judging Design Lecture notes, Visual Tactics and Strategies Lecture notes Christian Aesthetics Lecture notes Indigenous Aesthetics Lecture notes Interpretational perspectives Lecture notes Christian Symbols Lecture notes Love Symbols Toilet Paper History. "Who Invented Toilet Paper?" Who Invented Toilet Paper? Web. 26 Dec. 2014. . Manovich, Lev. "The practice of everyday (media) life: From mass consumption to mass cultural production?." Critical Inquiry 35.2 (2009): 319-331. Noelle, Robbins. "Flushing Forests."Flushing Forests. 1 Jan. 2013. Web. 27 Dec. 2014. . Nye, Amby Emily. "Toilet Paper Roll Faces. Because Why Not?" Art Culture Film Music Fashion Arts Advocacy TV Ovation Official Site. 16 Sept. 2014. Web. 27 Dec. 2014. . Showalter, Sidney. The Single Man’s Housecleaning Playbook: A quick and simple guide to cleaning your home like a pro. AuthorHouse, 2014. Williamson, Jeffrey G. Trade and poverty: when the Third World fell behind. Cambridge, MA: Mit Press, 2011. Walmart Stores. "Sparkle Pick-A-Size Giant Rolls Paper Towels Thirst Pockets, 107 Sheets, 8 Rolls." Walmart.com. Walmart Stores, Inc., 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 27 Dec. 2014. . Read More