Miranda July in Correlation to My Research
Miranda July's piece titled simply "The Hallway" is just that, a hallway. As the viewer walks down the hallway there are pieces of paper in their way that she has written on. I find this interesting because the things she has written can be perceived in many ways, I and many others perceive it as talking about life. It, however, has a bleak feeling to it, even though it is just writing on paper in a hallway. It talks about going through life and the ups and downs of doing so. The uncertainty and the fact that many of us take things that are meaningless and dwell upon them. The fact that at each turn of life is something new and surprising.
"Eleven Heavy Things" was created by Miranda July to get people involved, to get them to put thought into things and for them to have fun. I find that this work of hers has less deep-rooted meaning than "The Hallway", but I find this piece just as important. These sculptures allow people to interact with the physical work of the art, and with each other. It brings something new and different to the lives of those who participate. It makes people stop what they are doing, whether it be a leisurely walk or not and take a moment for themselves to enjoy the things around them. It allows people to make jokes and have a laugh with an artistic idea laying at its base to make people think about the ideas that she addresses.
Her works are simple in design because the idea and the interaction with them are the real art.
I find that her works all have a thread that connects them all together. That is the idea of life and making the most of it, reminding people to take a moment and enjoy the one life that you have. She is able to do this in a simple and interactive way. In my opinion, the simplicity shows that people want to take that time to enjoy themselves, and they do not need a bright attraction to do so. All it takes is a simple second to create a lasting memory.
I think her work relates to my research and my intention for my project because her work deals with the simplicity of life and just enjoying the little moments. In my work and research, I touch on the idea of not taking this so seriously and letting people be free with their ideas and thoughts on work. I remind people of Queen's fearlessness when living and performing the way they want to and how everyone should have that mentality. Everyone only has one life, so I think everyone should live it to the fullest and the way that they want to. That is the thread that I think connects our work together.
I like to think that my work is interactive in that people can interpret it in any way they like. Miranda's is interactive in a more kinesthetic way where people can bring their own meaning to the piece in how they interact with it.