Intro to Visual Practice / Fall 2010

Hierarchy

The pecking order or ranking system that defines a power structure of people or things. Also, a ladder, or ordered, linear progression of power levels/ levels of importance. In government this corresponds to levels of rank such as Catholic priesthood, or the military. The hierarchical ranking system relates things both vertically ad horizontally as either greater than, less than, or equal too.

Hierarchies have become much more complicated, as they now have their own terminology, for example subordinate refers to an object ranked beneath another, and there are recognized Degrees of Branching, categorization of hierarchies based on subordinates.

Hierarchies apply to almost any area of study affecting societies, science, and even the arts. In specific, the classification of art genres and the color wheel (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary) are both hierarchical systems.

cannot upload photos, see this link for hierarchy cartoon

see this link for hierarchy graphic

Static Art

Art that does not move, or interact, it remains still, without animation, frozen and unresponsive to time. Grimace Boyer interprets this to mean “ Static art is something that just simply “is.” It can never be changed, nor can it be “reinterpreted” by different artists”.  The Static arts include most fine art that ends with a physical product, for examples sculpture, drawing, painting, clothing design, and architecture. The product is visible by all in one medium at one time. This art many not be forgotten and does not change once it has been erected.

Static art is contrasted to dynamic art, or performance art (dance, plays, acting, singing). This art requires the presence of actors, musicians, and even participants (if a project like the fliers on bench product in class) to realize the final product.

Static art can be reproduced, only to end with two final, physical works. While Static art can be reproduced and reinterpreted due to the changing presentation.

see this link for example of static art: David can be reproduced, yet not reinterpreted.

-Chloe Marie Songer