My Milwaukee Art Museam Essay

1. Alex H
Art Essay
Robert Irwin is an artist that works on forms of abstract art. When we went to the Milwaukee
Art Museum we saw his Untitled 1969 piece. It consisted of an acrylic plastic sphere with a metal band
horizontal across the middle. It has four spotlights shining on it making the shadows look like halos. The
ball is supported by a hidden clear plastic pole behind the sphere. To some people it may look like just a
shiny ball with lights on it but to me it has symbolism.
Abstract art is art that does not have a right way or a right part to see. Self portraits are not
abstract art but Robert Irwin’s Untitled 1969 is. He has always been into abstract artwork, he says that it
gives him a sense of freedom. Untitled 1969 was one of his many sphere designs. As a artist he has
always liked to user light in his artwork. Untitled 1969 is a great example of light in action. Without the
spot lights, there would be no shadows and without shadows Untitled 1969 would just be a big plastic
sphere. Robert Irwin has done a very nice job in using light in his artwork.
Untitled 1969 is not just a piece of artwork, it is a symbol. Different people see different things
but to me Untitled 1969 is a symbol of freedom and purity. Looking at this piece gives me a sense of
relaxation and freedom. It shows that you have freedom, you have a choice in things. When I look at this
peace I feel that all of my worries are gone for a moment, that I am in complete control of my life with
no worries to hold me back. This piece of art screams freedom.
In conclusion, Untitled 1969 by Robert Irwin is a great piece of abstract art. It screams freedom
any way you look at it. It is my favorite piece of artwork in the Milwaukee Art Museum. It is not just a
shinny ball, it is a piece of artwork with symbolism.