Erased and Obscured
Definition
This term refers to a technique in art where elements of the image or text are intentionally erased, obscured, or hidden, often to create ambiguity, provoke curiosity, or highlight themes of absence, loss, and the limitations of perception and memory.
History
The technique of erasing and obscuring in art has been used by modern and contemporary artists to challenge traditional notions of visibility and meaning, often exploring the power of absence and the act of removal as a form of creation.
Notable Examples
Robert Rauschenberg
Erased de Kooning Drawing 1953,
Key Artists & Movements
Key figures include Robert Rauschenberg, whose Erased de Kooning Drawing is a seminal work in conceptual art, and Jenny Holzer, whose Redaction Paintingsuse government documents with text redacted to comment on censorship and secrecy.
Techniques & Materials
Techniques involve the physical act of erasing or obscuring parts of the artwork, whether through erasure, overpainting, or the use of materials that obscure the image or text, often resulting in works that play with the tension between what is seen and what is hidden, inviting the viewer to engage with the missing or concealed elements.
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