Ernest Neto
Most works of art are too valuable, precious, or protected by glass or chains. The saying “You can look but you can’t touch” fits perfectly with works of art. He was really in awe that an artist would do something that the audience could go into and experience from the inside out. of net navedenga The artwork was a new experience for me and it made me think about how I would like viewers to look at my artwork. The structure of the stocking was made with elastic polyamide fabric, sand, Styrofoam, nail, cord and ribbon. When I walked in and looked up, the Styrofoam on me looked like rain. I felt like a baby inside the structure that was soft, stable and fragile at the same time. Although the public could not touch the sculpture, it was a great event to be separated, swallowed inside a work of art.
William Kentridge
When I walked into the William Kentridge exhibition, I was overwhelmed by the different sounds and music that were intertwined. After watching all the shows, I saw a repeat of images like the cat, the man, the phone, and the rhino. I wondered if these had any special meaning for the artist; Do you have a cat? Does the cat represent something negative? Is the rhino an indication of Africa or of money? Another thing that caught my attention was the use of black and white, especially with charcoal. Charcoal is just a dark heavy substance and Kentridge probably used it because it was easy to handle and it gives the work age. The artist also used an additional color in some of the videos, such as blue for river/water and red for blood.
Most of Kentridge’s videos had some sort of personal, historical narrative. In one room a few videos were playing at the same time, showing how the artist created his work. The first videos at the start of the Kentridge exhibit were more historical, showing the history of slavery, prejudice, and lynching. The artist used real video footage in uba tells the truth with his own images to show the struggle and the nature of his work. In the ‘theater room’ there were two stages that had collage, images, video, music and technology working together to catch you and bring you to the stage. I was in awe of the technique and technology that was used, such as the ‘running man’ a moving tube, playing music on the Preparing the flute The music was louder and faster in pitch when the robotic figure ran and dramatic when the other woman-shaped figure walked and bowed. Most of Kentridge’s videos had rhythm, sound, voice, African music that set them apart from each other and also had a connection. I really enjoyed Kentridge’s show and it inspired me to think outside the box, he made me want to make things move.
Yin Xiuzhen
When I entered Xiuzhen’s room, there was only one thing to see, a huge minivan covered in clothes. Project 92 was something very strange to see but it makes a lot of sense due to the time we are in. The van could carry many people, and since China has a large population, it could be economical and efficient to use. The mini wan was placed in its own little room, away from all other galleries and noise. Music was playing inside the van, which you would never normally hear in a museum if you are looking at art. I loved the idea that you could walk into something, sit down and even kick back and enjoy a new chilled out vibe. I also loved that the artist used clothes that people have already worn and said that the fabric gives “traces of the human experience.” There is history and a story in each jersey that makes the viewer wonder with questions like who wore it, when, was there an occasion to wear it, etc. I love to reuse things and even make my own frames out of scraps from my laminate flooring. Today we have to rescue the waste and make everything last because it can be used in many ways and forms and become a useful and artistic piece.
