Installation art is a relatively new genre of contemporary art, practiced by a growing number of postmodern artists, which involves setting up or “installing” objects in a space, such as a room or a warehouse. The resulting arrangement of material and space creates an “artwork.”
Because an installation usually allows the viewer to enter and move through the configured space and/or interact with some of its elements, it offers the viewer a very different experience than (say) a traditional painting or sculpture, which are usually seen from a single point of reference. In addition, the installation can engage several of the viewer’s senses, including touch, sound and smell, as well as sight.
Because of its flexibility and three-dimensionality, the art of installation is influenced by advances in computer art, such as the development of software for video and film projection, as well as techniques used in avant-garde theater and dance. Architectural and interior design are also influential.
Above all, installation is a form of conceptual art, a genre in which “ideas” and “impact” are considered more important than the quality of the finished “product” or “work of art.” (Remember that an installation is a purely temporary work of art. Unless it is photographed or documented in some way, there is no evidence of its existence.) Whereas a traditional work of art allows us to appreciate the skill of the artist, an installation allows us to experience a “work of art” and perhaps even to redefine our views and values.
As with all general forms of conceptual art, installation artists are more concerned with presenting their message than with the material used to present it. However, unlike “pure” conceptual art, which is presumably experienced in the minds of those who encounter it, installation art is more grounded and remains tied to a physical space. Conceptual and installation art are two of the most popular examples of postmodern art, a common trend marked by its attempts to expand the definition of art. Both forms are widely represented in many of the world’s top contemporary art galleries.
TYPES OF INSTALLATIONS
The art of installation ranges from the very simple to the very complex. It can be gallery, computer, electronic, web-based – the possibilities are endless and depend entirely on the concept and goals of the artist. Almost any type of material or medium can be used, including natural or man-made objects, painting and sculpture, as well as the latest media such as film, animation, various forms of photography, live performance art (including events), sound and audio.
Some compositions are strictly indoor, while others are public art, created in public spaces in the open air or projected onto public buildings. Some are silent, while others are interactive and require audience participation.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SCULPTURE AND AN INSTALLATION
At first glance, some installations may resemble traditional craft-based sculpture or the more modernist art of assemblage. But this is an illusion. Installation art effectively inverts the principles of sculpture. While the latter is meant to be viewed from the outside as an autonomous arrangement of forms, installations often envelop the viewer in the space of the work. The viewer enters a controlled environment in which objects are presented, as well as light, sound, and projected images. The formalism of the composition remains secondary – the impact on the spatial and cultural expectations of the viewer remains paramount.