10 Exhibition Reviews - Assignment Example

Exhibition Reviews by al Affiliation April 17, My influence on performance art (based on artist Marina Abramovic) Marina Abramovic has gained immense popularity as a performance artist. Those who have been fortunate to know her works could attest to the remarkable influence that her works provide to a vast array of audience. From people who have no formal background or knowledge about art, her works could sometimes be considered controversial, eccentric, or even verging into the psychotic type. In a documentary of Abramovic’s “The Artist is Present”, she was noted to have said that it took a really long time before she was acknowledged as an artist. In fact, after 40 years since people initially thought of Marina as insane, she finally received the accolades that she truly deserved (Putlocker, 2012). Maria Abramovic has strongly been an influential artist in one’s decision to pursue performance art. One asserted that art has the capacity to stir various emotions; especially visual arts or the performance art where Abramovic specialised in. Just like Abramovic’s inner motives and intentions, one wants to create art that can interact with the audiences’ emotions and make react, respond, reflect, and see beyond the visual object but more so, the innermost emotions of their soul. An overview of Abramovic’s biographic profile revealed that she was born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1946 (Show of Force LLC and Mudpuppy Films, Inc., 2012). As disclosed, Abramovic has always used her body as the subject and medium in performance art. Moreover, it was emphasized that she explored “the physical and mental limits of her being, she has withstood pain, exhaustion, and danger in the quest for emotional and spiritual transformation. Abramovics concern is with creating works that ritualize the simple actions of everyday life like lying, sitting, dreaming, and thinking; in effect the manifestation of a unique mental state” (Show of Force LLC and Mudpuppy Films, Inc., 2012, p. 1). It was therefore commendable to see some of her peformance art works through the documentary, The Artist is Present, and be emotionally charged likewise. One’s favorite works of Abramovic is Breathing In/Breathing Out, Sitting with Marina, and Rhythm 0 (Putlocker, 2012). One affirms that part of the strength in Abramovic’s character and artistic inclinations lies in her personal experiences with family members and loved ones. She was noted to have always wondered how come her mother never kissed her; to which, her mother was acknowledged to have replied: “so as not to spoil you” (Putlocker, 2012). It seems that this longing for affection from a mother evoked inner feelings of longingness. In addition, her romantic union with Ulay, a German artist, which spanned 13 years could likewise have contributed to a rollercoaster of emotions: from bliss, resilience, loneliness, dependence, optimism, hope, rejuvenation, renewal, to transformation. One of their performance works, Nightsea Crossing, which they did from 1981 to 1987, was revealed to have been undertaken to expose an outcry to society: the discreditation of silence, inactivity, and silence (Putlocker, 2012). The same concept was re-performed by Abramovic in her famous The Artist is Present where she sat on a chair, alone, and placed another chair right in front of her, so that audiences can share the same space with her. In one of these days, Ulay had the privilege of visiting her restrospective art at the Museum of Modern Art, in New York. The union at that particular time was remarkably moving and memorable. When Abramovic opened her eyes and saw that it was Ulay seated opposite her, the audience could just, not only see her emotions, but actually empathize and feel it. From the documentary film, as well as from viewing glimpses of some of Abramovic’s performance arts, one realize that this is the field one would like to specialize in. One was immensely touched when Abramovic asserted, through the documentary, that at various points in time, while she was seated in front of several audiences, she could actually feel their pain… and there were a lot of people she truly sensed who were in distressing pain. Audiences were seen to be shedding tears and expressing a wealth of emotions. Some even acknowledged deep respect for the artist by placing their hand on their chest – to which, Abramovic equitably responded. The experience she has as a performance artist enabled her to imbibe the emotions felt by her audience. Thus, it was so mezmerzing to have seen, both the artist and the audiences’ reactions. In fact, Abramovic was noted to quip that the audience could actually see, from the experience of sitting in the same space with her, their inner feelings – much like a mirror to their soul. As such, despite the apparent inactivity and silence, the few minutes of audience with Abramovic has actually provided them with the chance to express their emotions and react according to which emotion runs paramount at that particular time. Finally, one actually appreciated having learned Abramovic’s manifesto of being an artist. One of the statements she emphasized was that an artist should not steal or copy other artists’ works. Apart from the respect for each artists’ works, one acknowledged that a true artist should possess a wealth of imagination, creativity, and innovativeness to create new art forms in which the audience could learn from. The ability of performance art to incite varied emotions make it revolutionary and unique. The kinds of emotions stirred are distinct since each audience reacts and responds differently. The level of happiness or loneliness of one person is definitely significantly different from another. Yet, through the experience, both the artist and the audiences, grow and learn from it. One wants to emulate Abramovic who had been extremely influential in one’s decision to venture in performance art. With a wealth of diverse possibilities in contemporary times, one intends to entice strong emotions that enable spiritual transformations and renewal of the soul. YZ Kami "Paintings" @ Gagosian Gallery The exhibition of Kami’s works, aptly entitled “Paintings” is a collection of images depicting the human face, as well as hands that are juxtapositioned in reflective prayer (Kami, 2015). Paintings of men and a woman were showcased with the theme centering on meditation as seemingly inviting the viewers in reflective association with the images. The subjects used for the paintings were revealed to be family members and friends (who were aptly titled according to their first names), as well as strangers (Man with Violet Eyes) (Kami, 2015). Predominantly, the medium used were oil on linen and dimensions of the paintings, especially renditions of the faces, were 108 x 72 inches. Moreover, painting of White Domes were featured in one section and adds to the theme of spirituality, enlightenment, and meditation. An anti-thetical Black Dome was aptly included to apparently represent troubled spirit or negative crisis of the soul (Kami, 2015). In addition, hands as subjects seemingly fit the spiritual and meditative theme where two paintings depicted the hands in supplication, universally understood as a form of reflective repose. Another painting showcased the right hand of a man resting on a light green background where lines, shades of colors, and hues provide delineating meaning. The installation view could be appreciated through the emotions intended to be enticed from the audience. There were images of the faces positioned strategically to emphasize meditative stance. In one particular space, three paintings composed of two featured faces and hands in prayerful stance, were positioned in subliminal peaceful atmosphere. The eyes of these faces were closed to highlight deep meditation. To create balance and vitality, viewers could observe that Kami (2015) used different colors for the background of his paintings: some in off-white, hazy black, or even magenta red, which effectively evoked powerful emotions. In a press release published by the Gagosian Gallery, it was explicitly revealed that “Kami does not aim to create photorealistic portrayals; rather, he seeks to evoke the presence of spirit” (Kami, 2015, p. 1). Viewers would definitely feel becoming immersed in reflective stance as the artist seemed to evoke engagement to meditation through these visual images. The positioning of the face, their peaceful expressions, the closed eyes, as well as the collaborative impact of colors and style, give credence to the spirituality and meditative theme. The simplicity within which these images were featured in solitary contexts highlighted the message that Kami (2015) aimed to impart. The exhibition of Kami’s “Paintings” started on April 9 and continues until the 30th of May, 2015. An overview of the artist, Kami (2015) revealed that he was born in 1956 in Tehran, Pakistan and now lives as well as works in New York. His array of diverse art works were revealed to have been exhibited in various museums in New York, Washington, D.C., London, and Athens. Jeff Koons Exhibition @ Paris Pompidou Jeff Koons, an American Artist, currently holds an exhibition of his art works at the Pompidou Centre (Koons, 2015). The first major exhibition outside the United States is currently being showcased until April 27, 2015. The exhibition entitled Jeff Koons: A Retrospective actually started five (5) months ago, on November 26, 2014. Aptly titled, the works of Koons are showcased spanning 36 years since he started in 1979. Visitors are treated to a wide array of art works ranging from sculptures to paintings with pop culture as the defining theme. Several creations are virtually famous personalities and images, like Michael Jackson, the Incredible Hulk, Popeye, and Moses, among others (Koons, 2015). There are also inflatable balloons in magnanimous sizes, such as a shiny violet poodle. Incredible hulk, likewise an inflatable balloon was re-created with musical organs strategically located in various parts of Hulk’s body and appropriately entitled Hulk (Organ) (Koons, 2015). Other interesting art works used metal as the medium where the subjects included Metallic Venus and Popeye, with the latter holding on to his famous spinach in a can. Art enthusiasts who are given the opportunity to view Koons’ works would definitely be amused by the diversity of the artists’ media, genre, and style. As such, a variety of emotions are expected to be enticed from the exhibition, from awe, delight, appreciation, glee, acknowledgement, admiration, and even confusion, for others. Another expected reaction would be recognition of familiar icons that have been popularized in contemporary media. However, for those who are searching for depth in artistic style and rendition, they could be out for some form of disappointment as most of the art works veer away from innovativeness and originality – completely devoid of artistic imagination. In addition, since the exhibition was a collection of Koons’ past art works, those who have followed his works from the start would not be treated to something new. Yet, viewing these pieces in a new environment creates an opportunity for relishing them through a different perspective: an artistic setting in the midst of Paris. Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty" Exhibition @ V&A Alexander McQueen has always been popularly known to be a creator of iconic designs. The exhibition entitled “Savage Beauty” has been running since March 14 and would last until August 2, 2015 at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Guests and fashion enthusiasts would definitely have a blast as they marvel at McQueen’s exhibition filled with remnants of his lifetime collection spanning 18 years from his humble start in 1992 when he showcased his graduate collection until just about his demise in 2010 (McQueen, 2015). The exhibition was noted to be staged in collaboration and partnership with Swarovski, who, McQueen was noted to have the pleasure of working with as early as the 1990s. A quick overview of the exhibition from the perspective of Claire Wilcox, during an interview, averred that “What I think is so beautiful about this exhibition is that it doesn’t just hold the spirit of McQueen, it holds the spirit of all those who cared about him, and worked with him and for him” (Victoria and Albert Museum: Video, 2015, p. 1). As such, much like the works of McQueen, there apparently seems to be no restrictions in the presentation of fashion style which is deemed analogous to a theatrical performance. McQueen has been known in the fashion industry as immensely creative to the point of eccentricness. Ravishing through his past collections, viewers are accorded with the privilege of appreciating beauty through professional expression. The promoters of Savage Beauty categorized McQueen’s work, to wit: A Romantic Mind, A Gothic Mind, Romanticism: Primitivism, Nationalism, Exotism, and Naturalism, as well as Cabinet of Curiosities, Voss, and Plato’s Atlantis (McQueen, 2015). The entire time one was viewing McQueen’s exhibition, one really enjoyed the whole presentation where it was very dark and intimidating when viewers and guests walked in. His work was extremely powerful incorporating different areas; it was powerful for being feminine, yet powerful for being fierce. It was everything happening in great standard all at once in one piece. The audience was entralled as feelings were expressed and imbibed through McQueen’s negative emotions depicted through his collection. As such, there were so many things going on at once. The whole presentation was awefully intense. Pangaea II "New Art From Africa and Latin America" @ Saatchi Gallery The Pangaea II "New Art From Africa and Latin America" was noted to have opened on March 11, 2015 and runs until September 6, 2015 at the Saatchi Gallery. The exhibition featured the art works of 19 emerging artists, to wit: Dawit Abebe, Aboudia, Eduardo Berliner, Jean-François Boclé, Armand Boua, Pia Camil, Alida Cervantes, Virginia Chihota, Alexandre da Cunha, Rafael Gómezbarros, Federico Herrero, Diego Mendoza Imbachi, Eddy Ilunga Kamuanga, Hamid El Kanbouhi, Jorge Mayet, Ibrahim Mahama, Boris Nzebo, Alejandro Ospina, Ephrem Solomon, and Mikhael Subotzky (Saatchi Gallery, 2015). A glimpse of the various art works would provide visiting guests and viewers with the opportunity to appreciate a wide array of art selections in diverse materials and genre: paintings, mixed media, oil on canvas, tar and acrylic on cardboard, blue plastic bags, and resin, fiber glass, madera, screen cotton, cuerda arenas, cerrejón coal, to name just a few. An interesting work of art created by Jean-François Boclé, entitled Everything Must Go was tediously comprised of 97,000 blue plastic bags. The Casa Tomada of Rafael Gómezbarros featured gigantic ants made of resin and fiber glass with the dimensions of the ant’s body as 50 x 20 x 50; and legs of 90 x 50 centimeters (Saatchi Gallery, 2015). Concurrently, the mixed media drawings on paper created by Dawit Abebe are a must see: an innovative depiction of hybrid beings drawn with the artist’s creative imagination. Moreover, the creations of Alida Cervantes from Tijuana, Mexico were predominantly paintings made of oil on wood panel depicts typical themes seen in Mexican culture. Art enthusiasts from around the globe would learn more from these emerging artists in terms of using innovative materials, as well as manifestation of innovative styles. Roman Empire & Ancient Egypt @ British Museum Through Roman History, one learned about great determination on the Romans to tediously build a kingdom out of great knowledge, mindset and strong belief. Realization sets in that everything happened in life because of the power of the mind. People’s minds control feelings and enable everything that has been accomplished. The visit to the British Museum to view the exhibitions on ‘Defining beauty: the body in ancient Greek art’ and ‘Ancient lives: new discoveries’ (British Museum, 2015). There are a wealth of information to learn from the exhibitions that illumined contemporary generation on the creativity and innovativeness of ancient Romans and Egyptians. The hidden secrets of the eight (8) mummies who were unraveled provide interesting information about their lives through the use of advanced technology. It was amazing how technology, such as the CT Scan would assist in peeling away layers of covering for the mummies to discover data in greater detail, as shown below: Source: British Museum, 2015. Concurrently, Greek art was showcased through various artists rendition of the human body, as shown below: Source: British Museum, 2015 The Greek art exhibition started in March 26 and runs until July 5, 2015. Viewers would be inspired as diverse emotions are spurred from appreciating the artistic representations of the human form. In retrospect, Greek artists could be observed to have been captivated by the human form and used art to express this genuine fascination. It has been affirmed that man assumed the likeness of Gods, and have been enthralled in the possibility of preserving the human body in its sheer similarities to images of Divine and Supreme Power. The experience of viewing art works from the Roman Empire, as well as Ancient Egyptians elicit diverse emotions, ranging from awe, enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement. The discoveries manifested through art works and ancient artifacts enable the advancement of knowledge. Contemporary technology was appreciated to assist in unraveling minute details of the discovery. For instance, the mummies’ lives and the manner by which they died were continuously being conceptualized. It was therefore new knowledge to have been provided with the information disclosing that some or even most of the Egyptians who died must have been in extreme pain when they died. There were similarities in findings pointing to teeth ailments as possibly contributory to deaths. As such, the opportunity provided to discovery new things each time a new detail is unraveled enables the curators, as well as the viewers, to exemplify feelings of anticipation and eagerness. Overall, the exhibitions seen at the British Museum affirmed the contention that art changes peoples perspective in seeing life and understanding feelings on a more in-depth perspective. Seeing works of art, artifacts, or remnants of ancient life continue to entice feelings of interest, exhilaration, and a sense of elation for unravelling some facet of ancient life that could be used in contemporary settings. Barbican: Magnificent Obsessions The exhibition entitled ‘Magnificent Obsessions’ showcased in the Barbican Art Gallery started on February 12 and would continue until May 25, 2015. The exhibition displays a collaboration of art works made by various artists, to wit: Arman, Peter Blake, Hanne Darboven, Edmund de Waal, Damien Hirst, Howard Hodgkin, Dr Lakra, Sol LeWitt, Martin Parr, Jim Shaw, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Andy Warhol, Pae White and Martin Wong/Danh Vo (Barbican Art Gallery, 2015). A press release published by Barbican disclosed an overview of the collection to apprise the audience of what to expect: “mass-produced memorabilia and popular collectibles to one-of-a-kind curiosities, rare artefacts, and natural history specimens” (Barbican Art Gallery, 2015, p. 1). Among the interesting pieces to check include personal collections and memorabilia items of Martin Wong, as shown below: Source: Barbican Art Gallery, 2015 The artist’s collections are neatly categorized according to images of animals, oriental figurines, and cartoon characters in ceramic. Another artist, Peter Blake, also showcased his personal collections of curiosities, which include stuffed animals, artifacts, and an array of dolls,among others, as shown below: Source: Barbican Art Gallery, 2015 In addition, it is an interesting art piece to behold collections of Vera Newman scarfs by Pae White. The scarve are hanged individually and showcased different patterns, styles, and colors. Source: Barbican Art Gallery, 2015 The personal collection of these artists are a true testimony to the diversity of preferences of men. Likewise, more than presenting these items that were carefully chosen and preserved through the years, their artistic value could be appreciated in the manner by which each collection or memorabilia entices the audience to show diverse emotions, reactions, and responses. Moreover, collections provide opportunities to reminisce and refllect on the many ways these items could have been sourced and have brought immense joy and fulfillment to the collecting artists. As aptly titled, these are, in fact, magnificent obsessions, that destinctly delineate the collecting artists’ preferences and innate sense of values which come into play. Viewers and guests could only marvel at the time, energy, and resources that have been invested to arrive at such volume of collections within specifically identified time frames. As such, their value is magnified by the extensive amount of effort spent to decide that each piece would become as instrumental part of the entire obsession. In addition, the range of emotions elicited by the collecting artists, as well as the audience viewing them are so diverse that the message of art has indeed been affirmed: emergence of respective personal expressions making the art work more meaningful. Everyday Alchemy "Contemporary sculpture", Zeinabu Irene Davis "Spirits of Rebellion" & Reach Out @ Tate Modern There are diverse exhibitions and workshop at Tate Modern which are equally interesting. One is ‘Everyday Alchemy: Contemporary Culture’ which was reported to display a “selection of contemporary sculpture by international artists who use everyday objects and a wide range of materials to explore questions of value” (Tate Modern, 2015). Curated by Ann Coxon, the display was designed and intended to “transform our perceptions of an object’s value, creating curious and playful juxtapositions and unexplained encounters to bring about their own everyday alchemy” (Tate Modern, 2015, p. 1). One of the art works that has attracted the interest of viewers is Terence Koh’s Untitled (A New World Order Lies in this Golden Age reportedly created in 2006, and shown below: Source: Tate Modern, 2015 A published summary of Koh’s work revealed that the following: “The parenthetical title of the work, (A New World Order Lies in this Golden Age), seems to refer both to the physical appearance of the installation – the two possible configurations, or systems of ordering, of the vitrines – and the fact that they contain golden objects, which suggest legends of a Golden Age, found in both ancient Greek and Eastern mythologies” (Tate Modern, 2015, p. 1). Without the detailed description of its meaning, audiences are left to their respective interpretations which could elicit diverse meanings and emotions. Another display at Tate Modern is Zeinabu Irene Davis’ "Spirits of Rebellion", a documentary project. The film is a documentary of the lives of black filmmakers and media artists, known as the Los Angeles Rebellion, whose works were explored in terms of their influence and impact on the lives of their local communities. Finally, Reach Out is reported to be a collaborative workshop with BP Art Exchange which allegedly aim to “explore democracy, communication and how we use gesture, touch and generative ideas to reach out to others across the globe. Video and photography seek to illuminate the participatory process” (Tate Modern, 2015, p. 1). These participatory programs and performance provide audiences to learn through allowing artistic representations of the artists. For instance, as noted in the Reach Out workshop, participants are accorded learning from art media such as video and photography and sharing what has been gathered to be illuminating, confusing, interesting, or significantly enlightening. In Everyday Alchemy, various display could provide inspiration to the audience to reflect on other opportunities to turn ordinary things into structures, forms, and styles of aesthetic values. Consistent with one’s aim of determining ways and means by which various art forms, genres, and media effectively entice different emotions, the showcases, displays and workshop opportunities at Tate Modern similarly generated the expected outcome. Visual displays and interactive educational programs offer learning and achievement of objectives as intended by creating artists. Some art works are more enticing than others, depending on their respective emotional impact. Audiences who prefer traditional art forms could be moved through intricately created paintings in oil or watercolor; while other viewers could be ecstatic marveling at the creations in Everyday Alchemy or viewing the documentary entitled Spirits of Rebellion. Each art form has the capacity to elicit emotions and reactions that are diverse and unique to the audience. Tracey Emin and Francis Bacon "My Bed" @ Tate Britain (Emin & Bacon, 2015) References List Barbican Art Gallery, 2015. Magnificent Obsessions. [Online] Available at: http://www.barbican.org.uk/news/artformnews/art/visual-art-2015-magnicent-obsess [Accessed 19 April 2015]. British Museum, 2015. Defining beauty: the body in ancient Greek art. [Online] Available at: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/defining_beauty.aspx [Accessed 19 April 2015]. Davis, Z. I., 2015. Spirits of Rebellion. [Online] Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/display/spirits-rebellion [Accessed 19 April 2015]. Emin, T. & Bacon, F., 2015. BP Spotlight: Tracey Emin and Francis Bacon. [Online] Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/display/bp-spotlight-tracey-emin-and-francis-bacon [Accessed 19 April 2015]. Kami, Y., 2015. Paintings. [Art] (Gagosian Gallery). Koons, J., 2015. A Retrospective. [Art] (Pompidou center). McQueen, A., 2015. Savage Beauty. [Art] (Victoria and Albert Museum). Putlocker, 2012. Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present. [Online] Available at: http://putlocker.tn/marina-abramovic-the-artist-is-present/ [Accessed 17 April 2015]. Saatchi Gallery, 2015. PANGAEA II: NEW ART FROM AFRICA AND LATIN AMERICA. [Online] Available at: http://www.saatchigallery.com/ [Accessed 17 April 2015]. Show of Force LLC and Mudpuppy Films, Inc., 2012. About Marina Abramovic. [Online] Available at: http://marinafilm.com/about-marina-abramovic [Accessed 17 April 2015]. Tate Modern, 2015. Everyday Alchemy: Contemporary sculpture. [Online] Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/display/everyday-alchemy-contemporary-sculpture [Accessed 19 April 2015]. Tate Modern, 2015. Reach Out. [Online] Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/display/reach-out [Accessed 19 April 2015]. Victoria and Albert Museum, 2015. Video: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty - An Inside View. [Online] Available at: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/exhibition-alexander-mcqueen-savage-beauty/video-alexander-mcqueen-savage-beauty-an-inside-view/ [Accessed 17 April 2015]. Read More