"Garden"

Hampton, Eiko O.

Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

"Garden" Public Deposited

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Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/v979v414x

Abstract

My work, in some ways, is a reaction to some of the art work I encounter everyday. The validity or importance of this art often seems to be judged by its level of controversy or its political correctness. An artist's contribution of "awareness" about society is valuable, but I've often felt that the appreciation of simple existence is often ignored or forgotten. My particular interest in art making is to create an atmosphere or environment that would refocus our attention to this somewhat forgotten value. I have chosen the "garden" as one possible vehicle with which I could create a calm, self-contained and introspective space, detached from our conflict-filled everyday life. The "garden" is an important metaphor in my perception of our contemporary society. Although the idea of creating a fantasy garden grew out of my childhood exposure to traditional public and private gardens in Japan, the final images have resulted from a combination of eastern and western cultural influences. They are a very personal expression.

I "spiritually" identify my work with the contemporary artists Mierle Laderman Ukeles and Jin Soo Kim. The Chicago-based artist, Jin Soo Kim, uses urban wastes to create her environmental sculptures. Her "environment" combines fantasy with the undeniable reality of urban life. Ukeles, who has been a resident artist for the Department of Sanitation of the city of New York, examines social and cultural issues by exposing the city's trash disposal system with her participatory public installation. Both artists question the awareness of society. At the same time, they wish to revitalize us with their hope. The intention of my installation is also to restore this optimism to our daily lives.

Creator

Hampton, Eiko O.

Date Issued

1992-05-15

Additional Information

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Academic Affiliation