Place and placeless

The concept of place is an important idea in our world. It influences the way in which we live, work, and create and view art. We live in certain places, must be on time to specific places, and visit select places to view art. As Robertson and McDaniel write, "Many contemporary artists who make art that fits the theme of place are responding to specific scenes in front of them or are trying to capture the appearance and meaning of his or her art" (151). Everyone is influenced by environment; the environment from which they came and the environment in which they reside. Many artists make a conscious effort to include influences of place in their work.

Some artists are influenced by the lack of place. As Robertson and McDaniel write, "Powerful art is being made by artists who want to bear witness to displacement" (177). It is important that these artists document displaced peoples and what it is like to be displaced. Because we always want to label others as from a place or in a place people who are displaced are often unseen. The homeless and dislocated are often overlooked because they seem to have no place in society. Art plays an important role in opening eyes to the construction of place and its influence on our lives.