Forget the association of the word "Gothic" to dark, haunted houses, Wuthering Heights, or ghostly pale people wearing black nail polish and ripped fishnets. The original Gothic style was actually developed to bring sunshine into people's lives, and especially into their churches. To get past the accrued definitions of the centuries, it's best to go back to the very start of the word Gothic, and to the style that bears the name.
The Goths were a so-called barbaric tribe who held power in various regions of Europe, between the collapse of the Roman Empire and the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire (so, from roughly the fifth to the eighth century). They were not renowned for great achievements in architecture. As with many art historical terms, “Gothic” came to be applied to a certain architectural style after the fact.
<u>This sculpture is the media lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Answers may vary, but may be similar to the following: This sculpture would look nothing like it does without the lighted that is used in this environment. The darkness and simplicity of the room it is in also add to its overall appearance. The semi-circle columns appear massive, largely because of its environment. It they were outdoors for instance, it is likely they would not have the same towering presence.</u>
Lee Friedlander's photographic series "The Little Screens" captured the period of time from 1961-1970 as television started to become more popular in American homes. He was able to show their importance, during a time when many people viewed them as unnecessary.
