Formal Paper

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Kathy Ruttenberg: In Dreams Awake

This paper will discuss the similarities and differences of the artworks, which I observed in the public art on Broadway, which was titled as ‘Kathy Ruttenberg: In Dreams Awake.' The exhibition is being held in different streets of Broadway. The three artworks which are specifically liked and going to include in the paper include ‘Topsy Turvy,’ ‘In Sync,’ and ‘Snail's Pace.’ The artworks provide the opportunity to the viewers to make an effort and think out of the box, instead of sticking to their limited and conservative point of view. The appearance and presentation of the three artworks may have been totally different from each other; however, they also include remarkable similarities as the three artworks have been developed by the same artist, utilizing almost same material.

The very first artwork which I liked in the exhibition is entitled ‘Topsy Turvy,’ which is located in the 117th Street, Columbia Gates. The artwork has been made utilizing the materials Cast silicon bronze, cast polyurethane resin, polychrome patina, cast concrete and LED lighting. The height of the artwork is 140 inches 5 feet, and its diameter is 52 inches. The artwork consists of a figure which is standing upside down, while her head is touching the floor and her legs and feet are straight towards the sky. The distinguishing feature about the artwork is that the figure has balanced a spinning globe on her toes. A number of things from the modern world are depicted on the globe, as well (Ruttenberg).

Another interesting artwork which I liked in the Broadway exhibition of ‘Kathy Ruttenberg: In Dreams Awake,’ was entitled as ‘In Sync.’ The artwork is located in the 72nd Street, and it is made utilizing the material Cast silicon bronze, cast concrete, and polychrome patina. The height of the artwork is 96 inches, and it has a diameter of 52 inches. The artwork consists of two figures named as deer man and tree lady. Both of the figures have the upper body like their respective names, i.e., deer and tree and the lower body as that of a man and a woman. The deer man has placed one hand on the waist of the tree lady and has held her hand with his other hand. The artists are trying to depict that the two figure are heading to the subway, just like all the other people in the surrounding (Ruttenberg).

The last and most astonishing artwork, to which I was greatly attracted, is entitled ‘Snail's Pace.’ The artwork is located in the 96th Street, and it is made by utilizing the materials Cast silicon bronze, cast acrylic, polychrome patina, ceramic, LED lighting and cast polyurethane resin. The height of the artwork is 74 inches, with a length of 114 inches and having a width of 48 inches. The artwork consists of a huge snail and a human figure which is entrapped in the shell of the snail, after being digested by it. The figure seems equally disturbed and calm, due to the being confined in the shell, as well as being left out of the hectic and fast-paced human life (Ruttenberg).

There is a number of similarities in the three artworks. The very first, as well as the common similarity, is that all of the artworks have been made utilizing the materials Cast silicon bronze, cast polyurethane resin, and polychrome patina. Although each artwork has utilized another different material as well, another similarity between the artworks is that of composition and use of space. All of the three artworks are huge and cover a diameter of more than fifty inches. The artworks include the positive shapes ranging from human beings, and atmosphere to the urban life, which are also the basic elements of depiction. The appearance of the artworks has been oriented with LED lights as well, which gives the effect of light and dark, as well as highlight the density of lines and marks. Another similarity of the three artworks is that they are not flat but have variant depth. One of the most remarkable similarities of the three artworks is that their titles shed light on the narrative.

Apart from the similarities of the three artworks, there are some differences as well. The very first difference among the three is that of color. The color of ‘Topsy Turvy’ is blue, from head to toe, including the figure and the globe. ‘In Sync’ consists of multiple colors, as the lower body of tree lady is of green color, while her upper body is that of a tree, in a similar color. The lower body of deer man is of brown and rust color, while his upper body is that of a deer, which is of brown color. The color of ‘Snail's Pace’ differs according to the part. The body of the snail is of red color, while its shell is transparent and the figure inside the shell is of white color. The subject matter of the three artworks is also different as they are shedding light on different aspects of life and motivating the people to think out of the box.

All of the three artworks by Kathy Ruttenberg are quite interesting and engaging. The artist has made the effort of presenting s different type of artwork, which motivates the viewers to come out of their comfort zones and think in a different matter. The artworks also shed light on the busy and hectic modern urban life.

Work Cited

Ruttenberg, Kathy. "In Dreams Awake." Kathy Ruttenberg, 2019. Retrieved from: http://kathyruttenberg.com/indreamsawake.