Class: Installation Art
Grade: Upper School
Teacher: David Ingenthron
You may have noticed a new addition to the Bloomberg Plaza. The abstract mass of wood and color seemingly appeared out of no where, quietly dropped right in the middle of the space. But like all art installations at Beaver, there is a great story–and student–behind the work.
When Installation Art students were tasked with constructing art pieces meaningful to them, Jim Kemp ’24 thought hard about how to tackle the assignment. Rather than taking inspiration from a visual or material, he conceptualized The Jacket based upon a feeling.
The inspiration for “The Jacket” came from a dark-green wool coat I received as a birthday gift. The jacket is very well made and incredibly thick – so thick that it’s a unique experience to wear it, almost like having a suit of armor. “The Jacket” is my attempt to share that feeling with others.
-Jim Kemp ’24
Jim constructed The Jacket using pressure-treated lumber, paint, and a green tarp. These materials help to mimic the titular jacket, which Jim describes as “large, green, and angular.” As for the location, Jim wanted a space that was wide-open and sparse, allowing the irregular object to juxtapose the ordinary setting.
Jim enjoys the mystery surrounding The Jacket. As he writes, “I enjoy watching people interact with it. Are they supposed to climb on it? Is it finished? Is it dangerous?” Those viewing The Jacket from afar will never truly grasp the artist’s intent. Instead, only those willing to experience the structure from within will understand–and feel–the emotion behind the piece.
More about this course: How does place affect and define our sense of being? How can we intentionally and artistically alter these places? This course pulls from a history of artists changing our surroundings indoors/outdoors and in physical community space and virtual spaces. You’ll work collaboratively to create these installations/interventions and collaborate with the participants/audience. Regular discussion of The World of Art and Art History will provide context for our work. Critiques, documentation, and presentation will be essential elements of the class, with an emphasis on both process and product.