Modular art
ModulArt are works of art consisting of a number of smaller, standardized elements (modules) that compose a larger, more complex structure. The modules can be independently moved - or modulated - and then create a new piece of art, different to the original configuration.
Origin
In the second half of the 20th century several modern artists have periodically explored modular techniques in an attempt to overcome the static nature of conventional pieces of art as well as to introduce the concept of motion into their works.
Various techniques and applications were developed, initially in architecture and then followed by design and the fine arts. Some of these were called ModulArt, giving evidence to a wider spread artistic notion to construct objects of art that allow by virtue of their modular mobility to be reshaped into another form.
Examples
There are several examples for these:
- in Argentina ModulArt as an alterable arts cube
- in the USA [http:www.usawallpaper.com/modualart.html|ModulArt] as alterable wall paper decoration
- in Italy und Germany [www.topdeq.de/Modulart|ModulArt] as alterable design furniture
- in Germany [www.studio-l.de|ModulArt] as alterable paintings
The common denominator to all of these is that their basic modular unit rests on a square, or cube, on which the larger structure is built. The arts cube, for example, resembles Rubic’s Cube and the wallpapers or designer furniture are based on squares and cubes respectively that can be moved within themselves and amongst themselves.
In this way, ModulArt abandons the concept of a firm, pre-set form of an arts object. Its creator, owner, or user is enabled to modify – or to modulate - it. In so doing, he doesn't only change its shape but also develops it in substance.
ModulArt in the Fine Arts
In terms of its artistic provenance, ModulArt owes its concept to the notion of the Arte Povera that works of art "should not be seen as fixed entities", but as objects of change and movement to „include time and space in a new manner. At stake is the issue of transferring the phenomenology of human experience" into the arts. [1].
In arts literature, Modulart had first been mentioned in 1975 in Germany, as „a form of art […] made by movable elements that - contrary to kinetic art – move not continually but transfer the object into a new state of being by moving their variable parts “.[2]
American artist Mitzi Cunliffe developed in the 1950-60s in Manchester (UK) sculptures consisting of multiple blocks about twelve inches square which she put together in a variety of combinations to give a sculptured effect on a large scale. She referred to them as modular sculptures. The University of Manchester and the University of Manchester University Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) acquired some of these works.
Since the mid 1990s, Greek artist Leda Luss-Luyken has developed ModulArt in Germany in the realm of painting. Standardized canvas panels are mounted as modules onto a steel frame and remain movable amongst themselves and within the whole painting. Mathematically, 4^x ∙ x! possibilities of change - or modulations - ensue.
Artistically seen, changing the basic configuration of the original painting leads to a variation of its theme; a varied story and a new aesthetic may be created in the picture. The painting is in motion, offering alternative views and alternative interpretations. Art historian and theorist Zacharopoullos called this in 2008 „a new way of motion in painting“ (ModulArt, pp 6-25).
Luss-Luyken's ModulArt brings two key elements of musical composition and film into the world of painting: variation of a theme and movement of and within a picture. She enhances the array of painting techniques from its previously static nature to the true motion of live, or the "phenomenology of human experience". In this way, her ModulArt paves a way towards the interactive communication patterns of the 21st Century.
Reference
- Georg von Kap-her, (Ed.): Leda Luss Luyken :ModulArt, English and German, 112 pp, Bobingen (Germany) 2008
Films
- Panta rei, Leda Luss-Luyken's ModulArt, 3'30“ film Berlin, 15', 2005;
- ModulArt, by Roman Angelos, London, 2', 2008
Museum exhibitions
- 1996: Museum Grassi, Leipzig;
- 2003: Abgusssammlung antiker Plastik Berlin;
- 2008: Stadtmuseum Weimar
References
- ^ interview with Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev.
- ^ Werner Ludewig (Ed.): Kunst – Literatur – Musik, Daten und Fakten. Lexikon-Institut Bertelsmann, 1975, p. 99.