Art has been a significant aspect of the society
based on the manner in which the ideas of the artists based on different subjects are displayed in for of art. Over the years, there have been several artists who have managed to create very captivating artistic works which require recognition. One of such artists is Felix Gonzalez-Torres. Gonzalez-Torres was known for his prolific works which entailed minimal installations and sculptures which he incorporated the application of materials such as paper stacks, clocks, and strings of lightbulbs to communicate his ideas to the audience of his art pieces with success in creating pieces such as "Untitled."
Correlating Gonzalez-Torres works and Critical Theories
Untitled (Loverboy) (1989)
Gonzalez-Torres was openly gay which is described as one of the leading inspiration in the choice of materials for his artwork and the message presented by his art pieces("Felix Gonzalez-Torres Most Important Art | TheArtStory"). One of the modern critical theories presented by Gonzalez-Torres in Untitled (Loverboy) is the cultural theory. In the Untitled Loverboy piece, Gonzalez-Torres creates an image of two gauzy light blue curtains which are blown due to the flow of air through the open window. In this piece, it is evident that the use of the sheer curtains acts as a form of symbolism to reiterate the fact that we exist in an empty space which is occupied by the human presence(Warren 16). Through this piece, we can incorporate the cultural theory since the artist is trying to transform his thoughts regarding the society and his daily experience through artistic works. Gonzalez-Torres was involved in social movements such as the fight for the rights of gays and lesbianism(Warren 17). Through his dedication to the provision of equal rights to the minority groups in the society, Gonzalez-Torres was able to receive inspiration, and he used the space of art to communicate his ideas to the audience. In the Untitled (Loverboy) art piece, Gonzalez-Torres was able to relate to the audience through the use of critical theory how the community is open to the flow of the idea of the rights of gays and lesbians(Kolbas 52) but there are hurdles which are symbolized by the widows.
Untitled (Perfect Lovers) (1987-1990)
As identified, the works of Gonzalez-Torres were significantly inspired by his experiences brought about by his sexual preference as a gay man("Felix Gonzalez-Torres Most Important Art | TheArtStory"). By focusing on this aspect of Gonzalez-Torres life, it is evident that most of the artist's work observed the queer theory which is one of the concepts associated with the critical theory. In this art piece, Gonzalez-Torres designed two similar clocks using unique materials that composed of springboards and clocks to create a proper element of comparison through the use of the items(Warren 16). In the piece, the message to the audience was based on their interpretation of the two clocks which were in sync, but there was the lingering question of the intentions of Gonzalez-Torres since the installations were presented in a period where Gonzalez-Torres partner was reported to be critically ill("Felix Gonzalez-Torres Most Important Art | TheArtStory"). The implication of the queer theory in Untitled (Perfect Lovers) is based on the understanding of the correlation of the artist's sexual preference as a gay artist and the manner in which this applies to his daily life. By incorporating the queer theory, we can understand the relevance of the two watches which are in synch, but there is the fear that comes about with the risks where one of the watches falls out of synch(Tyson 112). The alteration imposes the question to the audience, whether the artist will remain faithful to his cause even after one part falls off, which depicts the imminent loss of his ill partner and his virtues as a gay man.
Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A) (1990)
One of the most notable artworks of Gonzalez-Torres is the Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A)
based on the message the artist intended to communicate to the audience and the manner in which this art piece presented the functioning of the society(Warren 18). For this concept depicted in the art piece by Gonzalez-Torres to be understood well, there is the need to focus on the structuralism concept of critical theory and how it applies to this case. Structuralism provides the comprehension that a particular field of focus can be construed as a complex system based on the existence of interrelated parts(Tyson 114; Kolbas 58). In the Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A), it is noted that the infinite heap of exclusively wrapped candies amounts to the exact weight of the Ross, Gonzalez-Torres partner before he contracted HIV(Warren 21). Through this use of symbolism, Gonzalez-Torres applies structuralism where he identifies with the case of Ross's condition. Structuralism comes in where Gonzalez-Torres raises the awareness of the role of the society in the health crisis brought about by HIV/AIDS and the marginalization that exist towards the treatment of gays and lesbians.
Conclusion
Gonzalez-Torres was one of the artists who was actively involved in social movements, and he used his art pieces to create artworks that communicated his thoughts and ideas to the audience. The three artworks of Gonzalez-Torres are seen to adopt a particular concept of critical theories such as structuralism, queer theory and cultural theory to understand the intended message of the artist. The works of Gonzalez-Torres works on the understanding that the most influential political stances are usually the ones that adopt a non-political approach.
Work Cited
“Felix Gonzalez-Torres Most Important Art | TheArtStory.” The Art Story, https://www.theartstory.org/artist-gonzalez-torres-felix.htm. Accessed 18 July 2018.
Gonzalez-Torres, Felix. Untitled (Loverboy). 1989.
---. Untitled (Perfect Lovers). 1990 1987.
---. Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.). 1990.
Kolbas, E. Dean. Critical Theory and the Literary Canon. Routledge, 2018.
Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide. Routledge, 2014.
Warren, Rebecca Michelle. Conceptual Art and Social Consciousness: Two Case Studies—Felix Gonzalez-Torres and Ai Weiwei. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, 2015.
Art Works Cited
Gonzalez-Torres, Felix. Untitled (Loverboy). 1989.
Gonzalez-Torres, Felix. Untitled (Perfect Lovers). 1990 1987.
Gonzalez-Torres, Felix. Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.). 1990.
