Art is powerful. It has the ability to appeal to every single person differently. I went to the Tate Modern today (London’s museum of modern art), and I want to share the pieces that meant the most to me. But you might see these works of art in a completely different light- and that’s okay. That’s the power of art- it can speak to all of us, but to all of us in our own personal language. The works I want to highlight illustrated humanity to me. They illustrated culture, curiosity, intellect. I can only imagine the message they gave the gal next to me.
These photos were taken by Sheba Chhachhi in India in 1991. Photographs, for me, are especially unique and inspiring. I love photography because I feel like it can evoke such raw emotion. Photographs depict reality and hard truth, while at the same time uniquely expressing the limitless imagination of the human mind. These two photographs represent humanity and and its power to control chaos. Both taken at the same scene but shown in entirely different lights, these photos made me think about how places can transform with such swiftness. I also began to ponder on the thought that people help define settings. I believe these photos highlight the value of human presence.
There was one installation, a sculpture, created by Joseph Bueys that I felt particularly drawn to. Bueys placed these stones next to the 7000 Oak Trees he planted in Germany to promote environmental activism. Cone shapes were carved into each stone in order for clay and felt to naturally form in the holes. This process was meant to resemble healing, renewal, rejuvenation, hope. I believe hope and healing are essential components needed for positive mental health, which is why I loved this piece of work. I’ve recently learned about a new term coined for artwork like this: Eco Art. Ever since the rise of environmentalism and the growing concern for issues surrounding it, more and more artists have started to center their pieces around raising environmental awareness. Bueys’ installation is one of the most famous pieces of Eco Art today (Martinique). It is such a beautiful thing to be able to devote your life, your passion to trying to change the world. It goes to show that it isn’t hard to try and make a difference, anyone can do it. Eco Art is one more thing that brings hope to humanity and fosters inspiration for difference-makers.
“The whole world + the work = the whole world.”
When I first saw this neon sign, I was confused. As a sign put up by the museum itself, it didn’t really have a title, explanation, or history for the saying. I was left to my own devices in deciphering the quote. I think the significance here is in the word, “whole”. The simplest form of the word “whole” (used in the first part of the equation) I believe, is meant to reflect the entire world (the people, the animals, the nature, the buildings, everything that makes up the earth) but without soul. When you add “work” to this form of the word,”whole”, meaning is created. Then, this new form of the word “whole” (used in the solution of the equation) demonstrates everything in the world- except with soul, with meaning, with art, with culture. Humanity is what makes the world truly whole.
The value of human presence, the value of difference-makers, the value of the word “whole”- these are things I learned today. Who would’ve thought I could gather so much insight from a simple visit to an art museum. That’s the thing, though, art holds that kind of power. If we’re looking, if we’re eager, if we’re hungry for inspiration, we’re more likely to learn something life changing. It’s all about perspective. What do you want to see?
*all photos were taken by me at the Tate Modern*
Beuys, Joseph. London.
Chhachhi, Sheba. Radha- Staged Portrait, Anandlok, Delh i. London.
Martinique, Elena. “The Era of Environmental Art.” Wid walls, Widewalls, 14 Dec. 2016, https://www.widewall s.ch/environmental-art/.