Grade 9: Hanson articles

"I'm mostly interested in the human form as subject matter and means of expression for my sculpture. What can generate more interest, fascination, beauty, ugliness, joy, shock or contempt than a human being? Most of my time involves concentrating on the sculpting aspect. Casting, repairing, assembling, painting, correcting it until it pleases me. That takes some doing as I'm rarely satisfied."

 

--Duane Hanson, Nov. 26, 1981

link to an article on hanson


Hanson cast his sculptures from live subjects and fabricated them using fiberglass and resin, allowing for utterly lifelike detail. Thematically, Hanson was concerned with the man on the street and sought to portray the marginalized members of society he saw around him every day: “People, workers, the elderly, all these people I see with sympathy and affection. These are the people who have fought the battle of life and who now and then show the hard work and the frustration … It’s all about human activity, it’s truth, and we all get there"culturekingsblogspot.com/2009/05/duane-hanson-exhibit-at-galerie.html

Gr 9: Stereotypes: Daune Hanson hyper-realist sculptor

DUANE HANSON (American, 1925-1996), Man on Mower, 1995, autobody filler, polychromed in oil, mixed media, with accessories. Collection of Mrs. Duane Hanson. © Estate of Duane Hanson/Licensed by VAGA/New York, NY

http://www.bocamuseum.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=DuaneHanson&category=ImagesforPress


click here to view a video of some of Hanson's sculptures in a gallery

In commenting on his work Hanson states that he's not duplicating reality, but making a statement about human values.  Another critic states that Hanson's sculptures document the unnoticed members of the working class. What do you think Hanson's work is about?

Discuss the following quiz questions with your group. 

1. The name and date of the artwork
2. A short explanation of the artist's intention
3. A consideration of the possible stereotype.
   (Hint: What is the 'American Dream'?)
4. A short summary of the materials and techniques used in the work.
5. Don't forget the design impact of your infographic.

click here to view an article on Duane Hanson

Link to quality images of Hanson's sculptures

link to Mrs Moore's blog post on Hanson

link to blog post on Hanson's shopper