The art of labeling
What's in a label? Many art goers probably don't give a lot of thought to the label next to the piece of art but even without thinking a lot is said with that label. In a story on the Whitney Biennial the writer points out the high art speak that took place with the text next to the pieces.
With just finishing the book The Critique Handbook I now notice label placement. Consider a gallery with many works on the walls that all have a label with the artist name and price. Now picture a gallery that only has a few pieces of art with only a small penciled number beneath the piece. In the latter, the art is important -so important that the images stands alone without any concerns of price or even who the artist is. Think about a gallery wall with lots of labels...what does that say? So much of how we see art has to do with the space it is in. Think about a piece of art in a spacious white-walled concrete-floored space versus a confined room-like space with carpet. Not to say that art in a room with carpet won't be impress but it will certainly have to try harder!
With just finishing the book The Critique Handbook I now notice label placement. Consider a gallery with many works on the walls that all have a label with the artist name and price. Now picture a gallery that only has a few pieces of art with only a small penciled number beneath the piece. In the latter, the art is important -so important that the images stands alone without any concerns of price or even who the artist is. Think about a gallery wall with lots of labels...what does that say? So much of how we see art has to do with the space it is in. Think about a piece of art in a spacious white-walled concrete-floored space versus a confined room-like space with carpet. Not to say that art in a room with carpet won't be impress but it will certainly have to try harder!
posted by art blogs are fun at 11:52 AM
8 Comments:
The Art of Labeling
$45.00
Letters, and punctuation
"Do not try this at ccs, it is confusing for many people, and will most likely result in overt discussion on the surrounding areas that house the art rather than the art itself."
"surefire waste of $30,000.00, and the acknowledgement of your teachers and peers."
"Do not approach labeling as if it were also a piece of art seperate from the piece it references, absurd!"
-signed !
Even the simplest label takes away from the experience of enjoying a piece, and I admit that I can't avoid reading them even though I don't really care who made it. The practice of simply numbering the art and referring to a price list only makes it worse as the viewer goes back and forth between the wall and the paper. The Whitney approach sounds pretty ridiculous, but the more I read about their exhibitions the more I'm convinced that it's just a ridiculous institution at the forefront of a ridiculous business.
-anonymous-
we can and should approach each and every instance of art making/installing/labeling etc with the autonomous freedom these behaviors provide. there are no rules. consider and move. i believe the only argument that may exist here is one concerning any number of so called correct or appropriate blanket tactics. each and every aspect of "art" can and should be "possibility" and the responsibility this requires.
comment
mike smith
NFS
i want to make an offer on mike smith's "comment"
i was wondering if you would take $45.00?
"Offer"
$55.00
Letters, and punctuation
-signed !
a label is just more insight into the piece. I don't think it really matters how it is done. Whether you refer to the price list for the info, or it presents itself right next to the piece. I've never really thought about it before, so apparantly it never really bothered me or had any affect on me. As long as the labels aren't sloppy.
dear mike smith -
since it had no label or write up, could you please give us a little insight into your "senior selections" piece at the ccs student show?
I liked it, but I have a feeling I could get more out of it with a little reference.
actually there was an aspect of the install that contained a price list, contact info, and a qoute. it also made refrence to a general artist statement left with michelle perron for anyone requesting more info about my methods. for this piece which was in two parts (the other in B-310) i would have prefered no list/statement but the school requested it.
in most cases i prefer to speak in person about my work. we should hang if your really interested, or check out the plastic sleeve on the floor.
Mike,
We should hang.
Maybe Saturday.
Rich
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