Scale: all about your perception
Scale: defined as how large or small something is
Proportion: the size of something in relation to another object
Miniatures in Art
An often-used definition is that a piece of miniature art can be held in the palm of the hand, or that it covers less than 100 cm²
There is a "World Federation of Miniaturists"
History of Miniature Painting in India:
History of the Western Portrait Miniature
Khara Ledonne - New York-based jewelry designer
How do we react to Scale and Proportion in Art?
Large objects are often attempting to monumentalize the "unmonumental"
Jeff Koons = Balloon Dogs
Claes Oldenburg = Food Sculptures
The term "monumental sculpture" is often used in art history and criticism, but not always consistently. It combines two concepts, one of function, and one of size, and may include an element of a third more subjective concept. It is often used for all sculptures that are large.
https://vimeo.com/8158039
Why do we need monumental art?
"Bigness is an aesthetic value, and as the popularity of Tate Modern demonstrates, we all like to feel small sometimes."
"The interesting thing there is that groups trying to “reassert” their power are in many ways comparable to groups at the “beginning of a society.” So perhaps building big things is simply something people do when they begin to work together. Once there is a sense that they want to do things together, they do things that weren’t possible in smaller groups. Elaborate dances might be one example, but monumental architecture is another, and it’s the one that stays visible."
Reflection questions:
How do you feel or connect with tiny artworks?
How do you feel or connect with monumental artworks?
What place do miniatures have in today's art world?
What role does a monumental artwork serve in today's community?
