Reading Comprehension 7.

The work and commerce section of the “Greensboro Collects”, in my opinion, was a very lucky pick for this section. It shows work ethic, different uses of materials, and different ways to perceive work and commerce, which is exactly what this unit is talking about. Minimalism is all about finding different ways to display the architect’s work ethic, using different materials, and looking through a brand new looking glass. It’s about being “stripped to its fundamentals…and eliminating everything nonessential.” [Harwood, pg 806] I chose to focus on Willie Cole’s “Knapp Monarch”, which is a sculpture made of iron and iron parts mounted on a wooden base. To me, it instantly spoke to me and the rise of modernism. This is diagrammed, here, to show this rise… starting with the sturdy wooden base of classicism, then going to the upbringing of modernism, then to the refinement of the minimalist.

The other work of art I looked at was Fernand Leger‘s “Les Constucteurs“. This is a color lithograph, which I believe further represents the twist the art and architecture can have on work and commerce. As Roth states, “many contemporary expressions of modernism…reflect regional desires and needs…they respond to divergent theories on the role of architecture, coupled with the emerging changing in how buildings are conceived and designed.” [pg 612] This piece was different from the rest; yet spoke the same kind of language, which continues to be a challenge for contemporary design. Just as both of these pieces changed the concept of art to some and impacted the collection in a different light, so did minimalism. “Function, efficiency, and practicality no longer solely define concepts, so designs are often innovative, individualistic, monumental, and stand out within their environments.” [Harwood pg 806]