This article about Matthew Barney was very refreshing in that it discusses a very inventive stylistic approach to art. Because of his varied academic and athletic backgrounds, Barney is able to execute a vision of artwork unlike any other. Although many people may have dabbled in academics, medicine, and athletic competition like Barney, not many people would take the risk to combine all of those interests and viewpoints into one. I especially like Barney's idea of comparing muscle and artistic forms and seeing how each is different but evolves and develops in the same way. From a viewer's perspective, this is something that could be relateable to many. Athletes could view his instillation in a gallery and see how creating art is a multi-step and careful process--much like progressing as an athlete or building muscle strength. Artists or art appreciators could view his work and make connections to other disciplines (like athletics or something similar) and be intrigued by Barney's less-conventional artistic approach.
Barney's incorporation of conflict into his works is also very intriguing. He draws inspiration from unlikely sources such as Harry Houdini, a famous magician and escape artist and also Jim Otto a player for the Oakland Raiders. Each of these people inspired Barney by the way he overcame challenge with grace and skill, and that is what Barney aims to do through his art. For many artists, the challenge may be coming up with a new idea for a piece or the laboring process it takes before the final product is produced. For Barney, challenge and conflict are actively incorporated into his performance pieces as if to show the viewer that development and process are never complete.
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