Scale & Proportion

I chose Claes Oldenburg sculpture entitled, “Typewriter Eraser, Scale X” (page 76) as an example of scale and proportion to call attention to an object. Recreating an everyday object in monumental size can’t help but emphasize the object, calling the viewer in to take a closer look at a normal every day object.

Although we are not likely to come across a typewriter eraser in our typical day, I am interested in how this object, when reproduced so large, becomes a great design. I think it’s appropriate that the photo includes children, as the sculpture feels playful, probably by nature of the large circle and the use of 2 primary colors. As the text mentions, the average person would not notice the graceful strands of the brush if they were to look at this in its original size.

The photo below, on the right, taken by Melanie Einzig is another example of the power of unusual scale. The irony in the photograph is emphasized by “human scale reference”, especially when the human is not looking like he’s feeling very festive.