Franz West
 Lisa de Cohen with Adaptive, Vienna 1983,
Wood, papier-máché, and wall paint.

Franz West 'Adaptives' - photos taken at the Move Choreogrphing You exhibition at the Hayward Gallery
13.10.10 - 9.1.11

http://move.southbankcentre.co.uk/microsite/

In the 1970s Franz West created a series of plaster objects that were intended to be picked up and worn in order to challenge the traditionally passive relationship between the artwork and viewer. With this in mind it was interesting to experience his work at the Hayward Gallery. The set up involved two of his pieces that were placed high on black stands, two chairs, a video camera and a television. Although his pieces looked inviting I think the interaction felt slightly forced as it felt like the camera and screen demanded you to create a scene. The woman in the photo looked as though she knew West's ideas and she did not hesitate to to pick it up and put it on. The screen also removed a sense of play as it immediately translated the physical experience of wearing and playing into a visual experience for the wearer; you resultantly became conscious of how you looked rather than how the piece related to your body. However, this point highlights that the screen arguably increased the wearer's awareness of the object. Although this set up felt too controlled, I think West's pieces offer an interesting connection between sculpture and jewellery, something that I am interested in exploring.