Discuss how these might have application in contemporary art. List any relevant examples of works that might use similar ideas:
This article continuously came back to the idea of getting lost, especially in the winding roads of a city. I feel like a lot of contemporary art has began to truly embrace the idea of an experience being art, like getting a taxi in London just to be disoriented. Instead of just looking at art with no other sensory interaction, you can now touch it and be a part of it. "Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) is actually reliant on a viewer. The art piece is a pile of wrapped candies, starting at a weight of 175, said to be the weight of Ross Laycock. This was Felix Gonzalez-Torres's, the artist's, partner who died from AIDS. By taking the candy--which on-lookers are encouraged to do-- people are able to see a live demonstration of grief and loss, yet they are also able to appreciate Ross's gracious soul. Allowing people into the art not only opens up the possibility of deeper empathy and appreciation, but it makes them feel closer. Being able to witness something versus being able to be in something is two totally different experiences that allow artists to more further explore how to reach people in the ways they may wish.
Obviously, other senses have been explored before, such as music, but letting viewers become enveloped in the piece is a newer concept. While this may be due to new ideas, it would be foolish to pretend this boom of interactive art is not partially due to accessibility with technology. The Van Gogh Experience is the closest example possible. While one could just go and look at original Van Gogh paintings, now they can watch the paintings come to life and walk into his work, history, and brain. This is done with projectors, music, space, and more. The work is no longer just on the wall, it's in every inch of space around you.
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