Seminar 2- (reflection of 'the open works")
Here is the paragraph I produced with two other classmates. We all read the chapter in the book and wrote key points on what we thought the 'definition' or meaning of the open works theory was, we then collaborated and created this paragraph...
"A piece of work can be open, usually more contemporary, as well as being closed. Closed because its seen as complete and has a certain origin, but open in the sense that its open for interpretation from the audience with infinite outcomes. Open means a piece of work is not defined by a fact and can go in any direction. Closed, is usually more of the traditional older works of art, is where the art form is under instruction with a clear direction. There is only one definition or interpretation that can be took. Open and closed contradict each other but is also considered as a contemporary way of looking at their relationship".
We first looked at how we would reference a piece like this, helping us for future reference when writing essays. It’s important to do the referencing right.
Book bibliography
Authors name, (date). Title of book. Where the book was published: publisher
Eco,U (1989). The open work. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard university press.
In text reference
(Eco, 1989)
We then moved onto a discussion of the open works text, starting by reading out what we wrote and discussing the idea. The theme for the week was to think about what we had read and written. Thinking was important.
Then we were presented with these 3 questions which we had time to think about and then discuss in our groups...
Thoughts on the open work?
All work is open, no matter what it is it can interpreted in a different way even if its just slightly different no two people will have the same opinion on a piece of work
In what way do you think open works are poetic?
I found this a hard question to answer and the word 'poetic' needed a define meaning to me and without one I found it hard to pin point a reason.
How would you contextualise the open work to your practice?
About how humans seek gratification, how people behave and even dress to be accepted, there are different ways people think about seeking gratification linking to open works
We were told a piece of advice that if ever stuck key words are a good easy to get what you mean down on paper, there quick simple and easy and take you in some direction so we wrote a list to determine our position and understand of the text today
List of key words to inform my position on the text understanding…
Symbolism
Perception/perspective
Semiotics
Finished and unfinished
Interpretation
Contemporary and traditional
Poetics
Open and closed
Reader response
Motif
Culture
Experience
Consumer
Work
Rob had set up an online chat room that we were able to discuss further our thoughts on this open works online with a group. He showed us where it was and what to do and wants us to have an open discussion about it. I think this is a good idea because when people are speaking they seem to be a bit more reserved so online might spark more discussion and give me more ideas and thoughts on the piece using other peoples perspectives on it.
Next week we will look at the online discussion and discuss ourselves the thought and opinions we got out of it.
