Meaning: This quote by artist Matthew Barney provides insight into his approach to creating visual art and the influence of broadcast sports angles on his work. Let's break down the quote to understand the key concepts and then explore how these ideas relate to Matthew Barney's artistic practice.

The first part of the quote mentions "trying to mimic broadcast sports angles." This suggests that Barney is interested in replicating the camera angles and perspectives commonly seen in televised sports broadcasts. In the context of visual art, this implies a deliberate use of specific angles and viewpoints to capture a sense of action and dynamism, much like the way sports events are presented to viewers.

Barney then goes on to mention the purpose of mimicking these angles, stating that it is done "in order to anchor the scene, to sort of normalize it before it becomes abstracted." Here, he is describing the function of these angles in his work. By using angles inspired by broadcast sports, Barney aims to ground the scene in a recognizable and relatable context before potentially abstracting it. This suggests that the initial familiarity provided by the sports-inspired angles serves as a starting point for the viewer, before the scene evolves into something more conceptual or abstract.

Matthew Barney is known for his multidisciplinary approach to art, incorporating elements of sculpture, performance, film, and drawing into his practice. His work often explores themes such as mythology, sexuality, and the human body, presented in visually striking and immersive ways. With this in mind, it becomes clear that his use of broadcast sports angles serves a specific purpose within the broader context of his artistic vision.

In his acclaimed "Cremaster Cycle" series, Barney employs a wide range of visual techniques, including unconventional camera angles and perspectives, to create a sense of otherworldliness and disorientation. By incorporating elements inspired by broadcast sports angles, he introduces a familiar visual language into his complex and often enigmatic narratives, creating a bridge between the viewer's everyday experiences and the surreal landscapes he presents.

The influence of broadcast sports angles on Barney's work can also be seen as a reflection of the pervasive role of media and popular culture in shaping our visual perceptions. By drawing from the language of sports broadcasting, he taps into a visual vocabulary that is widely understood and ingrained in contemporary visual culture, using it to both anchor and subvert traditional expectations of how scenes are framed and presented.

Furthermore, the idea of "normalizing" the scene before it becomes abstracted aligns with Barney's interest in challenging and expanding the boundaries of visual representation. By initially grounding the viewer in a familiar visual context, he sets the stage for a gradual departure from conventional perspectives, inviting audiences to explore and interpret the unfolding imagery in a more open-ended and imaginative manner.

In conclusion, Matthew Barney's exploration of broadcast sports angles in his art reflects his innovative approach to visual storytelling and his interest in leveraging familiar visual references to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences. By incorporating elements from the language of sports broadcasting, he expands the possibilities of visual representation, blurring the lines between the familiar and the abstract, and inviting viewers to engage with his work on multiple levels.

Overall, the quote provides valuable insight into the creative process and conceptual framework of an artist whose work continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, offering a rich tapestry of visual and thematic exploration that resonates with audiences across the globe.