Lecture Questions/Response: Tony Matelli

Question 1:

Would you say that your work places a lot of importance on the objects in them?

Question 2:

How much does the site influence your site-specific projects? How do you feel about site specificity?

I was really looking forward to this lecture, there were some good moments and interesting things said. I always find lectures in different departments to be interesting, especially when you get into techniques and the artist's practice. I had no idea how intensive Matelli's work was, all the materials used. I also was so surprised to learn how many shows he has been in and how many places! When he opened up by saying he didn't really think about the lecture, I immediately was put off. I got this general feeling that he did not really care too much about his work. But as he spoke, I began to get a better picture of his work and practice, and I can appreciate it now.

I thought his piece "Josh" was incredibly interesting after he explained it, how he explained it really did it for me. There is such a deep meaning behind it, and it's really interesting to sit and think on it. He talked about how the figure was seemingly weightless, and symbolized being emptied of content, emotions, baggage, and being freed. An ascension.

Three words I think that describe his practice and work are:roles (roles of the viewer/observer in the work), representation (of people, things), intentionality (he felt that there needs to be a high degree of intentionality, things are there for a specific reason).

I feel that I have a better answer to my questions than I did when I was coming up with them. I got the general idea that in his public art works, the site was not the major factor in the piece. The "Stray Dog" piece was made to be moved around to different locations, not specific to any one particular place/city/country. In terms of the importance of the objects in his work, they are incredibly important. Matelli said there was power in representation, and that objects create a philosophical contemplation, and how they are represented can give a distance for contemplation. There is a high degree of intentionality, everything is there for a reason.

I'm not really sure what else I want to ask him about, I feel like my most important questions were answered quite satisfactorily.