Abstract
Referring back to Milan Kundera's novel The Unbearable Lightness of Being, this thesis focuses on the metaphysical question of whether
or not ‘being’ or ‘existence’ (our human life as we live it on this earth) can carry metaphorical weight, giving life serious meaning. In other
words: how can we balance the weight (significance, importance) of our existence with the lightness (fragility, transience) that is present
simultaneously? This question prompted an investigation into the existential, conceptual and literal notions of weight and lightness and the
way these concepts impact on our life. It has also initiated an essentially philosophical approach to the research involving the exploration of
theories of phenomenology and the sublime in the hope of finding a resolution to this question through their application within the field of
contemporary sculpture.
The aim of my studio practice is to communicate the metaphysical notion of human significance or lack thereof through combining fragile
allusions to the human form (in the shape of twigs) with large, heavy structures in the form of rocks and boulders. The sculptural works
will essentially provide a physical expression of the notions of lightness and weight by which we might measure our existential significance.
To reflect Nietzsche’s theory of eternal recurrence repetition is integrated in the work. Photography is used as a major supportive medium.
This thesis does not attempt to answer the question of what ‘the meaning of life’ is, but should be considered an expression of the philosophical
exploration of our existential fragility in the context of sculptural concerns.
Full text available on:
http://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/services/Download/uon:13644/ATTACHMENT02?view=true
or not ‘being’ or ‘existence’ (our human life as we live it on this earth) can carry metaphorical weight, giving life serious meaning. In other
words: how can we balance the weight (significance, importance) of our existence with the lightness (fragility, transience) that is present
simultaneously? This question prompted an investigation into the existential, conceptual and literal notions of weight and lightness and the
way these concepts impact on our life. It has also initiated an essentially philosophical approach to the research involving the exploration of
theories of phenomenology and the sublime in the hope of finding a resolution to this question through their application within the field of
contemporary sculpture.
The aim of my studio practice is to communicate the metaphysical notion of human significance or lack thereof through combining fragile
allusions to the human form (in the shape of twigs) with large, heavy structures in the form of rocks and boulders. The sculptural works
will essentially provide a physical expression of the notions of lightness and weight by which we might measure our existential significance.
To reflect Nietzsche’s theory of eternal recurrence repetition is integrated in the work. Photography is used as a major supportive medium.
This thesis does not attempt to answer the question of what ‘the meaning of life’ is, but should be considered an expression of the philosophical
exploration of our existential fragility in the context of sculptural concerns.
Full text available on:
http://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/services/Download/uon:13644/ATTACHMENT02?view=true
Marika Osmotherly,
February 2013
