2011 Student Thesis Exhibition
Title
Preview
Creation Date
Spring 2011
Medium
steelwork (objects)
Disciplines
Art and Design | Art Practice
Description
Artist's Statement
…expanding both the creative and physical limitations that we impose on ourselves, so as to gain new experiences and appreciation in and for the places in which we move…
Parkour (or Free Running) requires athletes to interact with their environment in creative and physical ways. It demands precision, balance and an understanding of personal limit. It can include everything from climbing a wall to jumping buildings many stories above the ground. My work is a sculptural interpretation of Parkour. Each piece is representative of a body and I intentionally explore them with the figure in mind, allowing the figure to take form and work with its environment.
My current work is focused on how the body responds, reacts and moves through space. I accomplish this by working in large installations and sculpture. I do not need to create illusions because the physicality of the work provides a tactile quality that allow for a “mental” Parkour as a component of the viewer's visual experience. It is through this that a viewer is able to connect to each piece on a physical, as well as emotional level. My work is meant to be both seen and felt.
My work is a reflection of me and my personal life. The sculptures and installations that I have created reflect my long obsession with movement and balance. The materials reflect the environment in which I have learned to Free Run. I primarily aim to recreate industrial urban areas. By creating with these materials, I invite the viewer into my world: a world of strength, balance and discovery of person limit. My intention is to draw the viewer in, to let them see and interact with their own environment and ultimately join me on my journey of self-exploration.
Recommended Citation
Stallings, Gabe, "Balance" (2011). 2011 Student Thesis Exhibition. Image. Submission 22.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/avc_thesis2011/22
Keywords
Sculpture
Comments
This work made from steel appeared in concentrated chaos, the 2011 Thesis/Portfolio Exhibition at Linfield College. Photograph courtesy of Gabe Stallings.