Tony Oursler- Week 5

Research Tony Oursler's projection sculpture to identify some of the ideas and methods he uses in his work.

How do you think the Enlightenment concepts of Science, progress, reason, individualism, empiricism, universalism, freedom and secularism can be applied to Oursler's work?

Refer to pages 96 and 97 in the ALVC handbook for the full list of key ideas of the Enlightenment. Also use Youtube, the internet and the library to research Oursler's work.

Tony Oursler's work is directly related to principles featured in the enlightenment. Beginning structurally with his methods and uses of materials. His use of projection and moving video on sculpture devoid of angular characteristics, indicates a non lifelike futuristic approach to expression. His subjects being distorted and arrayed sensory organs are displayed in such a manor that the pieces promote an anatomical and psychological appraisal. As opposed to the regular run of the mill gallery piece which can be contained on canvas, or in a frame, again referring to materials used. Anatomy and psychology came to pass by and through, and therefore substantiate, the sciences. The selection of subjects being destitute of gender, race, or sexual orientation suggest a view of humanity as a species, society as a trend. Which in turn strips the mind of independent thought past tendencies or characteristics, and focuses in on the make of the organism. This process of eliminating variables compliments universalism and uniformity of human nature. This piece I think seeks to challenge the capacities and extremities of sociological escapism through technology today.

Oursler's disturbing yet fascinating works demand critical speculation, concerning conceptual and ethical issues. His near performance projections, give the illusion of entrapment and reactionary responses. While viewing the works i found them engrossing and deeply moving. Journalist Gloria Moure had this to say of Oursler's work, "Each and every one of his works provokes an empathic attraction in the spectators, who can hardly help but feel an identification or even a complicity with it, but do not feel exposed, because the interaction to which Oursler impels them holds them back and allows them a protective distance." . I feel His work translates effectively and in its passive aggression allows the viewers to remain viewers, much like watching a documentary on television.