Tutor:- ANNABEL DOVER
PAIR 3 Boccioni; Giacommetti
I have chosen to look at and analyse the sculptures of Boccioni and Giacometti. My reasons for choosing these subjects is because I found them eye catching, unique and intriguing. The piece by Umberto Boccoini entitled ‘Unique forms of continuity in space’ is made of bronze; it stands 111.2cm high x 88.5cm wide and 40cm deep. The figure represents a male form of strength and muscle, striding forward effortlessly, as if in slow motion yet still because it is set on blocks. It also shows power, this is based on Industrialisation and the Futurist movement which was founded by writers and artists such as Umberto.
The faceless figure without identity has no limbs on his upper torso. The sculpture gives the impression of flowing cloth draped upon it’s body which flows naturally behind him with fluidity and natural force. I feel that this sculpture represents power, strength and speed. The inspiration of this visual structure came from machinery such as cars and electricity and the radical effect it had upon our society in the early 20th century. This sculpture is cast in bronze in 1949 after Boccoini died using his original cast form. To begin with Boccoini researched and explored the human form focusing on the muscles within the body; over 2 years he painted, drew, sketched and sculpted to created exacting studies of the muscular human form. This combined research resulted in Boccoini’s unique sculpture ‘Unique forms of continuity in space’.
Alberto Giacometti’s sculpture I found to be intriguing. It was necessary to study the piece for several minutes to understand the visual concept that was meant to be understood by the observer. The piece entitled ‘La Foret’ circa1950 came upon ‘by accident’ when Giacometti grouped some figures on the floor and coupled together with his memory and imagination this brought about the composition of the piece. Giacometti could see that the figures resembled some trees in the forest from his childhood and in another view appeared as people standing together, seven naked women talking to one another with one male observer. This appears to relate to Giacometti’s study of the inhibited lives of prostitutes.
The sculpted figures have a physically powerful vertical appearance; with the women he has elongated their proportions giving them the illusion of being tall and elegant, mimicking tall trees in a forest. Their heads are small in ratio to the rest of the figure creating an impression of distance. This has been enhanced by the two smaller figures in the distance showing perspective.
The sculpture ‘La Foret’, was made of bronze. In comparison to Umberto Boccoini’sunique forms of continuity in space’ which was also made of bronze the surfaces were very different. La Foret was very rough and bumpy, this was created after the Second World War. I feel that the texture represented the world as Giacometti visualised it, beaten up, run down, destroyed and unrecognisable. If I were to compare the two sculptures, I would say that Boccioni’s is strong and powerful; it has an air of wealth about it and confidence even. Giacometti’s piece is lifeless, almost dead, emaciated. So thin, almost invisible to the naked eye. I feel that comparing the two sculptures highlights the impact war had on art.
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