In Barthes’s piece, “From Work to Text”, he describes the definition of text in many ways. One distinct way in which he describes text is by portraying text as a process of demonstration, a dynamic expression. Barthes creates an image of text in which the meaning is found through the progress, rather than in the result. This idea can also be linked to the work of the London-based, conceptual artist, Ryan Gander. As an artist, Gander focuses on the thought and idea behind each of his pieces, and the process of making his art, rather than the end products he forms. The meaning of the piece comes from each step and sequential action Gander takes in bringing to life his intended idea. A very clear and strong example of this method can be found in Gander’s Alchemy Boxes. These consist of wooden boxes, which Gander has constructed, and inside each are the placed the ingredients, or materials of a work of art. Then beside the box is placed a plaque, which describes the contents pf each box. These works of art emphasize the materials and steps of the process in which an artist takes part in to create a piece of work. Gander has created toolkits for art, in which each box holds the complete and broken down experience of the creation of a piece of artwork.
Gander’s Alchemy Boxes give voice to his emphasis on the demonstration over the display. This is the same emphasis in which Barthes upholds. It is the concept that the intention, idea and thoughts behind art are what give it is meaning and each stage in the formation of a piece is significant and valuable.
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