Analysis Of Arch By Brent Sommerhauser

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A pen and a pencil are not merely tools used to create something, it’s a barrier between the actual artists and their work; stated an artist called Brent Sommerhauser. One of his artworks is called “Arch,” and it technically wasn’t even created by him; Sommerhauser created a machine that produced what he calls “Arch.” The machine was a vacuum like cylinder that would create a small wind storm inside the cylinder when activated. Sommerhasuer would tape paper on the inside of the cylinder and would toss in pencils after. He watched as the pencils would rotate around, leaving bits of graphite marks on his sheet of paper. Many trials later, “Arch” was created. “Arch,” can be described as a steep hill losing altitude as you look to your right, after …show more content…

My initial reaction to “Arch” was completely different in comparison to when I had heard from the artist, Brent Sommerhauser, himself. He still didn’t completely disclose his purpose; rather than giving us his overall message, he made us think for ourselves. He only disclosed his method of creation which forces the audience to hypothesize their own message for the piece of art. Having created a machine to draw for him is quite skeptical. Did Sommerhauser build this machine to draw things he wanted it to draw--- highly unlikely. So does this mean there isn’t a message? Well the message isn’t particularly out in the open, meaning it’s not within the art itself, it’s within the methods of creation. Human art has evolved tremendously, from early mankind who use to carve pictures into cave walls to now, the digital era. We as humans have the tendency to try new things, which in the long run correlates to advancements in art. Brent Sommerhauser stepped outside of his comfort zone and created a piece of art using another form of tool, a vacuum like machine, he contradicted the norm and had great success. His creativity is the perfect example of why art is displayed in a museum. Kristin Tillotson of the Star Tribune Company wrote an article titled “Museums are literally mind-expanding, researchers say,” she states that museum

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