Franz West

Often using everyday objects as the basis for his sculptures, such as furniture, altered or adapted to create new and unconventional forms and unexpected material juxtapositions, Franz West challenged traditional notions of sculpture and expanded the possibilities of artistic expression. His work bears an inherently bodily quality, not concerning itself with appearing obviously designed or engineered. West often encouraged viewer interaction. He created sculptures that were meant to be touched, held, and even worn. This aspect of interactivity challenged traditional notions of art as something to be observed from a distance. In this case the interactive aspect is encouraged through text, the words ‘SIT DOWN’ invite the viewer to participate. But the work subverts this invitation by being placed on a pedestal, eliminating the possibility of actual interaction and retaining the untouchability of a sculpture.