| Arman's art expresses a desperate need to respond to the excesses of a consumerist society while simultaneously harboring a desire to collect objects. His methods of entombing collections of everyday objects provide an opportunity to view manufactured objects within and separate from their original contexts, encouraging viewers to consider customary functions in new contexts with graceful and often disturbing structures. This thesis considers the layers of theatricality, humor, and time compression that animate Arman's constructions. It looks at his process, but its main focus is on the final work and its effect on the viewer. |
