Art of Viewing Art: Artworks by Juliana Huxtable and Frank Benson - Essay Example

Art of Viewing Art Generally, one can see the reflections of innovation and novelty within art and its related genres. To be specific,new technology deeply influences art because artists show keen interest in amalgamating new technology with art. Similarly, artists try to answer the question of human identity in the modern society. Within this scenario, the artworks by Juliana Huxtable and Frank Benson represent the influence of new technology among artists and their attempt to answer the question of identity in general. As a millennial myself, technology and identity are two extremely large factors that are nowadays driving our life; people are constantly in the search of their true identity without witnessing any judgments. Thus, the advancement of technology is playing an effective role in new identity representations. There is a correlation with the height of the trans-rights movement in a time where both creation and identity building are eased through the use of Internet. This idea breaks the norm and the dangers of self-creation by enabling the construct and manifest of an identity that is often seen as off-limits or not “correct” in the physical world. Description/iconography The artwork named as Juliana is in the form of a human figure, resting on a raised surface. The motivation behind the creation of this human figure is Juliana Huxtable, a renowned artist. Mark Guiducci stated that, “Frank Benson saw a photograph of Huxtable’s first Nuwaubian persona two years ago and asked her to model for him around that time” (n. pag.). Besides, this artwork surprises the viewers because of its life-size image and the cunning amalgamation of 3D printing with sculpture making. Similarly, the sculpture is in naked form, projecting sexual organs. Besides, this artwork represents the visual symbol of self-creation, inherent in the character (Juliana Huxtable) and his/her identity in the society as a transgender. On the other side, the artwork named as Untitled in the Rage is in the form of a photograph. Apart from the first artwork, this artwork exploits the scope of self-portrait. To be specific, the artist made use of her own body to represent her real identity. Besides, this artwork is symbolic of the rich tradition of Africa and its amalgamation with American culture in general. But the first artwork is symbolic of the scope of 3D printing and the second artwork is symbolic of the scope self-portrait and photography within art. In short, both the artworks belong to different genres, but the theme is same. Biography and Context The mastermind behind this sculpture (3D printing) is Frank Benson, who is basically from Norfolk. In addition, he was born in the year 1976, and he lives in New York. His genuine interest and mastery in art is interconnected with his BFA, MFA degrees from Maryland Institute College of Art, and University of California, respectively. Besides, his artistic craftsmanship does not limit within the scenario of sculptures. Instead, it extends towards photography within the scenario of visual art in general. To be specific, this artist shows keen interest to combine the scope of sculpture making and photography. On the other side, Juliana Huxtable is much younger than Benson because she was born in the year 1987. But both the artists share the same place, i.e. New York. But Huxtable’s interest is varied because she acts multiple roles within art, as a poet, model, photographer etc. She graduated in the year 2010 and started her career as a legal assistant. She used to compose poems and made use of the same within her own DJ mixes. But the most interesting fact is that she used to use her own body as medium to expose her mastery over photography. Both the artworks represent the influence of Surrealism within sculpture and photography. For instance, the first artwork (say, Juliana) is symbolic of the evolutionary progression of human body and the difference in its view by the viewers. To be specific, the human figure represents body morphism or the difference in posture because it is evident that the human figure does not try to please or impress the viewers. Instead, it aims to destroy the traditional view on sculptures. On the other side, the second artwork (say, Untitled in the Rage) is not so different from the first artwork because the same represents the symbolic evolutionary progression of naked human body. Besides, the posture of the human figure in the photograph proves that spontaneity is important within photography. In short, both the artworks try to inject Surrealism into the minds of the viewers to help them to change their traditional perspective of view on naked human body. The two perspectives/ iconology In the artwork named as Untitled in the Rage, the artist (Juliana) represents herself as the icon of liberation and a person who can define herself. Antwaun Sargent stated that, “Exhibited with Huxtables poems and futuristic photographs, the presentation offered an intimate look into the sexual and creative evolution the downtown DJ and internet it-girl underwent to become a local trans icon” (n. pag.). For instance, she is aware that she is in between male and female identities. Still, she does provide enough importance this dual identity because he aim is to prove that there is nothing special about transgender identity. On the other side, Benson represents Juliana as the person with commanding power. For instance, the human figure’s posture and pointing hand are symbolic of the capacity to determine one’s own destiny. David Ebony stated that, “Stepping off the second floor elevator, visitors are lured into the show by Juliana (2015), Frank Benson’s realist-style, life-size, lithesome reclining nude sculpture in resin with a greenish-blue patina” (n. pag.). So, it is evident that both the artworks examine the scope of human identity in the modern society. One can see that the Benson’s work is deeply influenced by Juliana’s identity in the society. To be specific, her identity is the proportionate mixture of African-American identity and transgender identity. She knows that her dynamism can be used to help the transgender community facing marginalization in the mainstream society. Besides, the element of ‘nakedness’ in both the works prove that both the artists are deeply interested in exposing human nature. The idea of identity in the self The grass-root level reason behind the oppression faced by Juliana is related to his/her gender identity as a transgender. For instance, her interest in LGBT activism is symbolic of the problems faced by the transgender people in the mainstream society. She knows that one’s gender/racial identity can determine one’s success in future. Rozsa Farka stated that, “Juliana Huxtable doesnt have a blue chip gallery; her art can instead be found in her club nights, poetry readings and on the internet, but rarely in commercial spaces or at heavyweight art fairs, yet shes one of the youngest artists in the New Museums prestigious Triennial, Surround Audience” (n. pag.). So, she considers that her art must represent Trans/racial identities. Besides, she knows that transgender people from black racial identity are forced to face oppression because they are totally confused by their Trans/racial identities. So, Juliana decided to go beyond this problem by projecting her Trans/racial identities. This is important because she does not try to hide her gender identity. Instead, she makes use of her Trans/racial identities to unleash her creativity by exposing her own body as the medium within photography. The New Within this scenario, both the artists make use of the New Technology as mediums because Benson depends upon 3D printing and Juliana exploits the scope of Photoshop within photography. One can see that New Technology revolutionized sculpture representation. For instance, 3D printing helps sculpture artists to create life-like sculptures. On the other side, Photoshop elements within photography help artists to create mixed media. Besides, the New Technology revolutionized photography because anyone can become a photographer, but with less perfection. For instance, the idea of ‘selfies’ helps individuals for self representation within the modern world. Elizabeth Day stated that, “Knowing self-awareness is conveyed by the slight raise of an eyebrow, the sideways smile that says youre not taking it too seriously” (n. pag.). In short, all these factors of New Technology help human beings to gain new identity in the mainstream society. Summing, the artworks prove that the artists’ decision to choose different mediums is interconnected with their outlook on art in general. Benson chose 3D printing because he was aware of the importance of New Technology in art. On the other side, Juliana chose Photoshop within photography because she was aware of its novelty. The biographic information on both the artists proves that genuine interest in art and technical perfection are interconnected. Besides, both the artists make use of human body as their mediums to create a surrealistic ambiance. On the other side, Juliana presents herself as the reflection of her identity, but Benson makes use of Juliana’s identity and keeps his own identity aside. In addition, both the artworks represent the wise utilization of new technology within art. In short, both the artists make use of different mediums, but their artworks represent the same message, i.e. human identity in the modern world. Works Cited Day, Elizabeth. “How selfies became a global phenomenon.” The Guardian 14 July 2013. N. pag. Print. Ebony, David. “Surrounded by the Future: The New Museum Triennial Tackles Tech, Politics, and Gender.” Observer. Observer.com Web 03 Apr. 2015. Farka, Rozsa. “Why the visibility of Juliana Huxtable is so important.” Vice. Vice.com Web. 02 Apr. 2015. Guiducci, Mark. “Meet Juliana Huxtable: Star of the New Museum Triennial.”Vogue. Vogue.com Web. 27 Feb. 2015. Sargent, Antwaun. “Artist Juliana Huxtables Bold, Defiant Vision.” Vice. Vice.com Web. 25 Mar. 2015. Read More