JOSEF ALBERS

Josef Albers main focus was to create structures through ordinary and easy to obtain materials. The paper constructions were among his most popular which effectively demonstrates the re - ordering of materials.  The properties of paper as a material are explored by simply testing its limitations and affordances. This process is imperative to achieving maximum outcome as one learns the behaviour of the paper. 

Josef Albers was a teacher in a preliminary arts program at a school, where he encouraged students to create structures made of one material. Students experimented with the properties of material, and explored how they could optimise the outcomes of their final products by re - inventing the original materials shape. 

As a teacher, Albers desired to inform his students on their awareness and perception of shapes and space, and believed that an understanding of of elements in space could be studied through materials. This was also done through a method known as constructivism which allowed the students to learn through building their own understanding of material. 

The aim was to ultimately transform material and provide it with a structure through the manipulation of its shape, and adding more material was forbidden. Albers urged students 'to express one clear formal idea using the internal quality and inherent structure of a given material' (Casciato 2019, para. 6)

The shapes produced were ambiguous and implemented patterns discovered in nature, which were translated into abstract drawings and then sourced as inspiration for paper constructions. The ambiguity of the shapes was produced by experimenting with 'material characteristics and to investigate how the material affected the artistic forms' (Berghaus 2018, p. 1).

The architectonic language is expressed through the negative shapes created by the folds and cut outs in the paper structures. The composition of the structures is derived from the direction of folded and cut lines in the paper, which ultimately transforms the paper into a three - dimensional space. The cut outs and folds are strategically implemented to equally provide balance for the construction to remain standing up. The balance is created by the fold in the middle of the page, However the pattern of the cut outs are the dominant element as they evoke the shape of the construction and transformation. 

Folding is the main technique utilised in this paper construction as it provides the shape and texture. The composition of the shapes is balanced as a result of the identical looping that resembles a 'yin - yang' type of layout. As a result of the balanced composition, the paper construction shares an equal balance of two folding elements that have created texture and structure. The paper is intertwined which creates a swirly sequence with no negative space within it. The ending on both sides reveals two folded creases, which adds dimension to the construction. 

This paper construction similarly to the previous one is predominately formed through folds that describe structure and texture. The negative space is visible in this construction and highlights the movement in the fold of the swirls. The folds that describe the structure are softer folds that intertwine and create flow, these soft folds are imperative in assisting the structure to remain standing. The stronger folds are demonstrated in the texture of the paper structure and compliment the movement of the swirls, as they follow the direction of the structure.  

Paper Construction 1

Paper Construction 2

Paper Construction 3

Paper Construction 4

Final Construction

I explored the techniques of Albers paper constructions through the creation of my own structures that resembled the experimentational projects produced by Albers students. I discovered through the experimentation of paper the types of folds, and cuts that could be utilised to add more depth and style to the architectonic language of the construction.

During my experimentation process, I did use glue to create the constructions and only later discovered that I should challenge myself to create a construction with only the material I have, and avoid creating additional materials. I enjoyed the flow and shape created within the 3rd paper sculpture, which I thought would be interesting to replicate with fabric.

I chose fabric as this is representative of myself as fashion student, so I wanted to display the construction as a wearable item. I utilised tulle and created two swirls through the use of thread to create the structure. I ensured that I did not add additional fabric as a way of only exploring the materiality of the Tulle. Additionally, no negative space had been created, but the swirls are integral to the structure and texture of the construction. The composition is equally balanced, with two swirls on either side, which creates depth in the centre of the structure and ultimately adds more dimension.

Berghaus, G. 2018, 'Bauhaus', The Edinburgh Dictionary of Modernism, Viewed 25 August 2019, <https://search-credoreference-com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/content/topic/bauhaus>

Casciato, M. 2019, Learning with Albers, Bauhaus: Building the New Artist, Viewed 25 August 2019 <https://www.getty.edu/research/exhibitions_events/exhibitions/bauhaus/new_artist/matter_materials/albers/>

Zeier, F. 1974, Paper Constructions: Two and Three Dimensional Forms for Artists, Architects and Designers, Charles Scribner's Sons, USA