Answer the following questions according to the attached writings
Krauss, “Chapter 5: Tanktotem: Welded Images,” pp.147-173
David Smith sculpture Blackburn
1. What is totemism? Explain the “discontinuity” in Blackburn and why Krauss believes it most thoroughly incorporates the “law of totemism.”
2.Krauss states that Cubi XIX is not an abstract sculpture. What does the sculpture reference and why does this theme interest Smith? Do you think the sculpture is fascinating as one first perceives it, in its abstract, formal representation, without the additional reference? Or does knowing about the artist’s intention for the sculpture make it more fascinating?
Greenberg, “Sculpture in Our Time”
1. Greenberg talks about sculpture, which he says “until lately” had to do with the revival of “monolithic sculpture.” He defines this as: “monolithic carving and modeling in the service of the representation of animate forms.” (p. 57) Why does he think Constantin Brancusi ended this tradition? [FYI: the “Piscah view” Greenberg talks about refers to God’s trip with Moses to the top of Mount Piscah to show him the promised land; God also told Moses that he would never get there—so the “Piscah view” is about getting a glimpse of the promised land but never being able to reach it.]
2. Greenberg says sculpture as a medium can get very close to being two dimensional (like drawing or painting) and still be modern (or “true to its medium”). How so?
Greenberg, “David Smith’s New Sculpture”
1. Greenberg talks approvingly about Smith’s shift to an absence of color in his sculptures; he claims color or polychromy in sculpture “attracts the eye.” Why does he think this is a bad thing?
