Timothy Weaver is a new media artist who used to be a life scientist. Knowing this helps me understand why he took the pictures he did. I liked having the background knowledge because it made me less disturbed by the art. I was still a little confused even after I learned his background, but only because I think I have a wall-up against death. I do not know why, I just know that I do not like thinking about it.
In the pamphlet the exhibit was explained to be “part ecological ghost story/ part zoological bibliography” and I believe the pamphlet was spot-on in that definition. These two aspects of the showcase are very different and I think this is why I had such mixed feelings and reactions to the artwork. I did not know if the display was to be seen morbidly, scientifically, or sorrowfully. I guess it might be better not to know so you can see and think what you want, but all the emotions I had were too many for me to handle.
Overall I saw the artwork in a sorrowful manner. All of these bird species had become extinct due to human-induced measures. This made me feel very sorry for the ways that humans have selfishly destroyed nature. The price the birds had to pay was not fair; they had done nothing but what nature intended them to do.
On a more technical note, it was interesting to see all the different mediums through which Weaver projected his art. The video, prints, and rare book installation meshed nicely and really helped make the subject of the art stand out. I liked how the library acted as a little treasure you never knew when or where you would find the next component to Weaver’s art showing.
It is nice to know that our university is able and willing to put on exhibits like Hylaea. I believe it is important for the university to keep us informed and cultured. I know this was not a huge art showcase, but the university did what it could and I appreciate it. It is the little things like this that make our university so unique.
No comments:
Post a Comment