Conceptual artwork as type : an account of dematerialization in conceptual art
Author(s)
Advisor
Mutlu, Dilek KayaDate
2011Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
259
views
views
81
downloads
downloads
Abstract
This thesis explores the concept of dematerialization, which was introduced by Lucy
Lippard and John Chandler to art context, by the means of a new characterization of
word-based Conceptual artworks as types. Concerning the notion of dematerialization,
it is argued that the notion itself is controversial and vague. In order to clarify the
notion of dematerialization, a distinction between art-work and art object, which is
dematerialized, is executed. Following this distinction, it is claimed that in the context
of Conceptual art, the notion of artwork is more proper than the notion of art object.
In this respect, art object is taken as the final product or a part of the artwork. Via
taking the dematerialization process as a negation of artwork as object qua end
product; ephemeral or transient character of Conceptual works; use of words as artistic
material into consideration, it is argued that Conceptual artworks are types. It is argued
that use of words in Conceptual art is one of the main conditions reinforcing the
dematerialization process which can be seen in almost every example of word-based
Conceptual artworks. Through this characterization of Conceptual artworks as types,
notion of dematerialization is clarified. Finally, it is argued that as the art object
dematerializes; in word-based Conceptual artworks, the place of dematerialized art
object is replaced by the use of words.