Analysis

Sculpture is different than most other art because it must exist in the real world. A painting is merely the placement of pigments on canvas, and the subjects can exist in a fantasy world created by the artist, but a sculpture must be able to obey the natural laws and forces of our world. This is one of the reasons that site and location are important considerations for the sculptor.
The artist must consider how his or her piece will create a dialogue with its surroundings, how environmental factors will affect it, and how it will withstand the elements. A piece that is placed in a gallery does not necessarily have to worry about withstanding elements, but must be considered in context too. The artist and curator must consider matters including the flow of the gallery, color, lighting, and other works around the structure.
Through dialogue between a piece and its location, the artist can communicate a variety of messagees. Some artists attempt to create a frame from which the audience can see the world reimagined, or with some aspects heightened or enriched. With these structures, they may see the sky as a moving canvas, as James Turrell is attempting to do with his piece, Rodan Crater. The reordering of space is also a pivotal aspect of Gordon Matta-Clark’s piece, Conical Intersect.
To be an artist who fully realizes the value of site and location, one must be able to consider all aspect of a location. They must be aware of the light, texture, color, and environmental processes of their surroundings. They should be able to fully realize the relationship between all aspects, and see how they add or detract from their concept.