May 30th
Today, I visited the Tate Modern one of the greatest modern museums in the world. Anyone who knows me can guess that this was not my favorite spot in London. Modern art holds very little inspiration or captivation for me but there were a few pieces that I stopped to ponder.
The initial wonder of the Tate Modern is the building. Although it could come across as harsh due to the extent of concrete, I thought the curators did a wonderful job in providing an atmosphere that allowed for every type of artistic expression. It is lovely to see a free museum where families and travelers can wander in to experience floors of exhibits.
My first reflection is on the Landscape of Longing by Saleem Arif Quadri. It was made during the late 1990’s and was supposed to evoke a spiritual journey. I enjoyed the colors and textures of the seven wooden works. The borrows reminded me of the individual paths one might take but it also exhibited a fantastic use of negative space in how the shapes were purposefully arranged. It was meant to represent life’s many mysteries while resembling Islamic calligraphy.
The next memorable piece was Babel 2001 by Cildo Meireles. It was a modern take on the biblical story of the Tower of Babel which tells of man’s journey to reach heaven but ends with no one understanding each other due to God’s intervention. Meireles stacked stereos into a tower, and they span across all types and ages. Each radio plays a different station which cues the listener and viewer into the ideas of mass miscommunication and information overload. I enjoyed the message and construction of this work.
After reflecting on my enjoyment, I realize that I prefer modern art works that engage other senses. The first piece had such visual texture that, even though I could not touch it, it evoked the sense of feeling. The second work had a layer of sound, and this added meaning to the purpose behind the artist’s vision.
Regardless of my apathy, if any of you enjoy modern art of any kind, I highly recommend the Tate Modern. And even if you don’t, stop by for a quick look at the amazing architecture and free exhibits.
-Tabi is Booked
Theatre in London U of A 