A level Art exam, Variation and similarity, Art exam 2019, Edexcel Art exam, Objects in art, Joseph Kosuth

1. Rene Magritte, La Trahison des Images (Ceci n'est pas une pipe)
(The Treachery of Images [This is Not a Pipe]). 1929. Oil on canvas

2. In this painting Rene Magritte tells the audience, via the paintings title, that his
depiction of a pipe is not an actual pipe. He questions and highlights the
expectations and truth of a made image. If his painting of a pipe is not a pipe then
we are asked to question what is it that Magritte is presenting us with in his painting.
Think about these questions and discuss
them.
1) What is the subject of this painting?
2) How important is the understanding of language
This is for talking
and thinking
about. There’s a
task coming. Don’t
rush ahead. Use
your time to think
and consider
intentions.

3. Joseph Kosuth
Three in One 1965
Kosuth represents one chair three
ways: as a manufactured chair, as a
photograph, and as a copy of a
dictionary entry for the word “chair.”
The installation is thus composed of an
object, an image, and words.

4. Kosuth didn’t make the chair, take the photograph, or write the definition; he selected and
assembled them together. But is this art? And which representation of the chair is most
“accurate”?
These open-ended questions are exactly what Kosuth wanted us to think about when he said
that “art is making meaning.” By assembling these three alternative representations, Kosuth
turns a simple wooden chair into an object of debate and even consternation, a platform for
exploring new meanings.
Picasso said “We all know that art is not
truth. Art is a lie that makes us realise
truth”. Kosuth is presenting a question of truth / fiction in regards to the objects he
has chosen. Which is the most truthful representation of the object?
Task:
Choose a chair. Create an accurate tonal study. Arrange your
drawing with the original object and definition, then
photograph your arrangement.

5. Homework:
Think about Kosuth’s Three in One and make an observational drawing of an object of your choice.
Your drawing replaces the photograph element used by Kosuth.
The way in which you present this work is going to be important. Should you photograph it in a simil
way to Kosuth or are you going to make a different kind of presentation. Think about it. Take
esponsibility for your work.