In Class Assignment #5/IP #1

The arguments found in Umberto Eco's Travels in Hyperreality about American art and society can be directly correlated to themes presented in Thomas Hirschhorn's Cavemanman.  The presence of "energy" and quantity over quality is an example of this reflected idea, found in both works.  Eco states in his work that many American museums have an abundance of authentic pieces, yet no distinct quality or underlying connection  with each other (27).  A second assertion Eco makes about American art is that there is an emphasis on easy access.  Eco uses Disneyland as an example of this ability for the public to gain access to anything (48). Hirschhorn presents this theme in his piece as well, with examples of accessibility in literature or knowledge and even sex, portrayed with the many pornographic posters lining the cave's walls.  Thirdly, both Hirschhorn and Eco's works argue that the stereotypical American viewpoint, that bigger is better, is neither stereotypical nor exaggerated.  It is instead a true belief found through American art.  Hirschhorn's displays this belief by creating vast rooms in his artwork, massive, over sized novels, all of which do not seem to fulfill a distinct purpose.  Cavemanman on a whole, is a larger-than-life piece of art, therefore presenting this theme flawlessly.  Eco addresses this idea with his example of the success of Disney World compared to the not quite as successful Disneyland.  The difference in success rate between these two parks is not merely about their locations, but about their sizes.  Eco argues that Disney World is massive compared to Disneyland, therefore in the American mindset, it is greater (26).  Truly the opinions of Eco and Hirschhorn are debatable, and do not speak for every American or critic of American art.  Yet, their assertions and arguments about what defines American art, compel the reader and viewer to look within themselves and become thinkers, critiques and doers rather than simply bystanders.  

Eco, Umberto. Travels in Hyperreality: Essays. Orlando, FL:Harcourt Brace & Company, 1986. 26-48.