On the Titles of Works of Art. 论艺术作品的标题
by Jerry Saltz
I think that it is unproductive to be too directive in a title.
A title should create MORE space - not less by pointing right at the thing or make lame puns. You limit the work and give yourself away.
The space between art and its title is immensely charged "material," alchemical lightning material that can be used to the maximum.
"Untitled" is always fine. Or "A Sculpture," or whatever. That creates an open set.
The best title may be Duchamp's L.H.O.O.Q. It says nothing and it all. (And the LHOOQ joke makes is not in English and only apparent in French. Which adds a dash more to it.)
Or consider Gericault's generic title "A Ship Wreck."
No one who looked at that painting at that time did not immediately recognize and know the insurrectionary implications and accusation of what is now known as "The Raft of the Medusa."
This space between art and its title is a material.
(We will address wall labels another time.)
How To Be an Art Critic
PS And never listen to an art critic.
by Jerry Saltz
I think that it is unproductive to be too directive in a title.
A title should create MORE space - not less by pointing right at the thing or make lame puns. You limit the work and give yourself away.
The space between art and its title is immensely charged "material," alchemical lightning material that can be used to the maximum.
"Untitled" is always fine. Or "A Sculpture," or whatever. That creates an open set.
The best title may be Duchamp's L.H.O.O.Q. It says nothing and it all. (And the LHOOQ joke makes is not in English and only apparent in French. Which adds a dash more to it.)
Or consider Gericault's generic title "A Ship Wreck."
No one who looked at that painting at that time did not immediately recognize and know the insurrectionary implications and accusation of what is now known as "The Raft of the Medusa."
This space between art and its title is a material.
(We will address wall labels another time.)
How To Be an Art Critic
PS And never listen to an art critic.