Taking the Numbers and Running with Them

Chris Jordan’s exhibit “Running the Numbers” was a collection of pieces that were both pleasing to the eye but frightening to the mind. Using items wasted and disposed of in alarming quantities, Jordan created images accompanied by their statistics to convey the carelessness of humans. Whether it was a piece pleasing to the mind or shocking, each one depicted an item’s impact on the earth. Rather than being fluff pieces to place above a couch and never discuss again, these are pieces with a message in mind.

Jordan has stated in interviews that his goal has been to present images that will incite conversation about the state of the world as a result of consumerism. In accomplishing this goal he has absolutely been successful. The waste Americans produce is glaring, and the responsibility it provokes is inescapable. In pieces like “Cans Seurat,” Jordan represents the number of aluminum cans used every thirty seconds in the United States. What makes this image all the more striking is its resemblance to the painting "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” which represents a scene of enjoyment on a waterfront. What appears to be a serene and beautiful environmental setting is contrasted with the images it is made from. Upon closer inspection and a review of the informational plaque, the viewer is soon disgusted. This dichotomy is absolutely effective, not to mention provocative.

It is clear Jordan’s goal was successfully achieved through his work, but it is equally important to discuss whether or not this goal was appropriate. In other words, is the message he sent valid in the world today, and is it a legitimate concern that a community should be discussing. The response one would most likely give would be a resounding “yes.” With so many concerns circling the globe regarding the earth’s condition, Jordan’s addition to the discussion is appropriate and beneficial. Though the world’s deteriorating condition is discussed on the news, in movies, on billboards, and pamphlets, art is a valuable area in which send a message. One could even argue that art is the best place to incite conversation, since it is possible to present ideas in a unique and startling manner that will catch people’s attention in a way other methods could not. Furthermore, this message is an important one to send. Mother Nature is a part of everyone, and her well-being is essential to the quality our lives.

An important analysis to take into consideration when viewing Jordan’s pieces is their content. This includes its representation, verbal supplements, medium, scale, and context. While the context of his work has already been discussed, the other areas of examination are important to discuss. The content understood as representational was shocking and though-provoking. In other words, his pieces were more than simply toothpicks or cans repeated in multiples; they were full of meaning and statements on consumerism. However, this meaning may not have been possible without the verbal supplementation of the informational plaques with the statistics of the piece described. In this way, the artwork was not as poignant without the plaque and vice versa. Jordan’s medium was also important in the creation of his art, for it would not have been possible without the technology utilized. Because photo programs now enable one to create multiple images and arrange them into a desired composition, Jordan was able to have complete freedom when manipulating his photographs. As a result, the intricacies of his pieces were possible and the communication of his message was all the more powerful. This is directly related to the content of scale. Though his pieces were quite large, they were made from images of minute objects. This dichotomy was often shocking to view and even more surprising when viewed with the knowledge of what it represents.

All in all, Chris Jordan’s work could not have been as effective if it wasn’t for his creativity in utilizing technology, statistics, and aesthetics to provide a visual means of revealing the negative effects of consumerism. His message was clear, concise, meaningful, and flawlessly executed through his provocative images on such a large scale. “Running the Numbers” was certainly the start of many discussions regarding the condition of the earth and humans’ effects upon it.

Kant

Kant believed that “If we judge objects merely according to concepts, then all representation of beauty is lost.” This is connected to another statement of his, which states that “The satisfaction in the beautiful must depend on the reflection upon the object, leading to any concept (however indefinite), and it is thus distinguished from the pleasant, which rests entirely upon sensation” (p. 100).

In other words, Kant believes that beauty is truly seen when a piece is first viewed with disinterestedness, and only after this is connected with a concept. What I gathered from this is that to look at an art piece and immediately analyze the concept behind it would be to miss the point. To jump immediately into a critique and miss the initial feelings of appreciation would be to miss the point. Art is more than the “concept” of a piece; as Kant discusses, there is a wide range of personal reactions to a piece of work.

When I first read the statements above I thought of pieces like The Last Supper. There is undoubtedly a concept behind the piece, but if that was all one focused on when viewing the painting, much of the beauty would be lost. Its composition, colors, tone, et cetera are all aspects to be admired. To ignore them and only concentrate on its purpose or “concept” would not be doing it justice. It certainly would leave much to be appreciated.

Hume

The first point of Hume’s writing Of the Standard of Taste that struck me was that “many of the beauties of poetry and even of eloquence are founded on falsehood and fiction.” I had never consciously realized this to be true, but it is because of this characteristic that art is able to take us out of ourselves to experience something beautiful. Describing a scene literally is not nearly as striking without the use of metaphor and other fictional alterations.

As far as the issue of “taste” itself, I think much of individual preference concerns personal experience and background. Just as Hume described, much has to do with the practice one has had and one’s level of bias and prejudice. Regarding practice and experience, one particular movie comes to mind. The movie Twilight came out this last fall, much to the excitement of a strongly female pre-teen and teenage demographic. Now I will admit I find the books to be entertaining, but the movie I found to be horribly directed. To a more experienced mind the movie was disappointing because of its unnecessary camera angles, sound effects, and jerky storyline. However, younger individuals found the film to be beautifully executed (I have a strong suspicion this was because of the abundance of “hotties”). This difference in opinion was probably due to the fact that I am more “practiced” in film.

As far as bias, I think this plays an equal part in what people do or do not find tasteful. Coincidentally, both pictures Professor Andersen placed online are a perfect example of this point. Neither of these pieces would be what I would consider to be “tasteful,” and I in fact feel quite the opposite about each of them. This is because of a personal prejudice I have toward monkeys and clown-like figures. I find monkeys to be absolutely awful creatures, and clowns make me uncomfortable. However, I know others love monkeys and think clowns are amusing. This difference is undoubtedly due to discrepancies in experiences.

While I’m sure I would be hard-pressed to find someone who did not find a sunset beach scene to be tasteful, there are other representations of scenes, objects, and creatures that I’m positive not everyone would agree upon. The appreciation of art is completely individual. To some rap is an example of art, to me it is simply obnoxious. This is probably due to my lack of practice and understanding of its mechanisms, as well as a strong bias I have held for a long time. “Taste” is a combination of societal norms, personal experience, and bias. Hume believed someone who was practiced and unprejudiced would be the best critic; I am inclined to believe he is absolutely correct.