The American Woman
Who: David L. Hostetler
What: Bronze sculpture
When: 1989
Where: outside Alden library
Why: To show appreciation to women
At a first glance one would not know that the sculpture The American Woman was made of bronze. The work of art has streaks of a striking blueish green color and gives the appearance of painted metal. But as a viewer would notice as he or she got closer is that the color is really due to a chemical reaction, a result when bronze is in contact with water and oxygen. The statue is a smooth texture and with abrupt curves to convey the basics of a woman’s figure.
A critic requires a closer and longer look of Hostetler’s work to understand that it is not just a figure. After observing the work of art the viewer can gather a lot of information about the woman and Hostetler’s beliefs of them. By the shape and direction of her body the audience can see that the artist had a favorable view of women and that they showed a significance in this world. The woman’s head is turned far to the left slightly pointing down, her back is arched and legs bent portraying elegance, pride, and honor. A witness to this work could gather that he finds the female body beautiful, giving a romance to it while also showing the sensitiveness of a woman.
Though it is hard to technically “define” what art is, many can agree that art is a creative expression of imagination, should give whoever is viewing the art an emotional response, and in most cases (but certainly not all) pleasing to the eye. For the spectator to understand that this particular piece of art is in fact art he or she needs to ask themselves these questions. It is a key trait to have in life that people know what art is. If people do not know the basic elements that make up a piece of art then the meaning is lost and may just seem like scrap in the way. With this sculpture it grabs the attention of people because of not only the similarities of a female figure but more so the differences. When looking at The American Woman you can clearly see the expression of imagination, the beauty, and the feeling, regardless of what it is, that it makes you feel inside. Due to the chemical reaction the sculpture is transformed in a way that leaves the viewer wondering if that was intentional or a mistake.
What I learned from class is that art is all around us. We pass objects every day that could be considered art by many definitions. Something I find extremely important about art is that everyone reacts differently to each piece and no reaction is correct or incorrect. The artist may design the piece in hopes of getting a certain point across but the great thing about art is that it is so open ended. With making this figure Hostetler will create discussion and though some may disagree on his views his voice is spoken through the creation of this piece.