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Part of description as found in Reader's Digest Universal Dictionary
Word (Wurd) n. 1.a. A sound or combination of sounds that symbolises and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes. b. A written or printed representation of this.An Oak Tree 1973 Glass, water, shelf and printed text sculpture Lent from a private collection 2000L02262Exhibit found from following site;
While this appears to be a glass of water on a shelf, the artist states that it is in fact an oak tree. Craig-Martin’s assertion addresses fundamental questions about what we understand to be art and our faith in the power of the artist. The work can be seen as an exploration of Marcel Duchamp’s declaration that any existing object can be declared a work of art. In his accompanying text, Craig-Martin provides the questions as well as the answers, allowing the simultaneous expression of scepticism and belief regarding the transformative power of art. (From the display caption April 2005)
1 comment:
The above comment was found on the Tate Website. However I have my own interpretation of this piece and associations with the glass of water.
On first seeing this a couple of years ago, I was reminded of the various cuttings of plants kept on the kitchen shelf. As a young girl I used to see their roots submerged in water sprounting new buds. Lined up in preparation for their being embedded in pots or garden borders.
When I saw 'An Oak Tree', I invisioned a very small oak tree growing from the glass. This glass of water placed on shelf meant the beginning of life to me. Food and Growth.
Craig-Martin is challenging the way in which we use words with the use of a title, 'An Oak Tree'? Without this title what would we, you, I, call it? What would make us call it a glass of water on a shelf? Where do these words stem from and how are they rooted within us?
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