I had a messy split from an abusive relationship in the late 1990s.
For many reasons it was a very bad time.
Friends like Bel Ami, who often comments here, got me through the days.
I remember one particular miserable morning, a dark, dank, typically wet South Yorkshire morning, where I found myself in town. I was aimless and fed up and not even a mooch around Cole Brothers could lift my mood, so I eventually ambled up West Street to the University bookshops, then took myself to Weston Park where I found myself at the Park's Museum.
Antony Gormley's instillation piece Field For The British Isles was advertised as being on show so on impulse I went to see it.
In one vast room 40, 000 little humanoid figures stood on the floor and looked at me with little blank eyes.
The effect was instantaneous and unexpectedly profound .
It was an amazing experience.
I cannot quite explain just why it warmed my heart.
Perhaps the instillation had something powerful to say about solidarity, or just simple humanity..but even though the figures were just , in essence , little morphs in human form they had the power to lift the spirits and to create a smile.
Now THAT was ART
For many reasons it was a very bad time.
Friends like Bel Ami, who often comments here, got me through the days.
I remember one particular miserable morning, a dark, dank, typically wet South Yorkshire morning, where I found myself in town. I was aimless and fed up and not even a mooch around Cole Brothers could lift my mood, so I eventually ambled up West Street to the University bookshops, then took myself to Weston Park where I found myself at the Park's Museum.
Antony Gormley's instillation piece Field For The British Isles was advertised as being on show so on impulse I went to see it.
In one vast room 40, 000 little humanoid figures stood on the floor and looked at me with little blank eyes.
The effect was instantaneous and unexpectedly profound .
It was an amazing experience.
I cannot quite explain just why it warmed my heart.
Perhaps the instillation had something powerful to say about solidarity, or just simple humanity..but even though the figures were just , in essence , little morphs in human form they had the power to lift the spirits and to create a smile.
Now THAT was ART
http://www.antonygormley.com/resources/essay-item/id/108
Sending 40,000 hugs and good thoughts your way this morning.
ReplyDeleteThis post led me to read this - http://www.antonygormley.com/resources/essay-item/id/108
ReplyDeleteand I then understood why you felt as you did when you looked at this art installation.
Thank you, John.
I'm so pleased that something lifted your spirits that day. If i was the artist, that is the response I would hope to inspire
ReplyDeleteAnd boy do we need that feeling of solidarity and humanity these days.
ReplyDeleteBest to you and Winnie.
Peter
Wow, I've had a similar experience at an exhibit myself. Never forgotten the impact. How is your dear Winnie?
ReplyDeleteNo news, will post later
Deleteyou and winnie are on my mind.
ReplyDeleteand that artwork reminds me of we the people's RESISTANCE against the orange dump!
I saw that exhibition too and like you I was enraptured by those little figures. Each one was different from the next but together they made a powerful statement. If I had seen you there I would have challenged you to an arm wrestling contest.
ReplyDeleteIt is extraordinary what may affect us when in dire straits. Your narrative reminds me of a day - shortly after my arrival in England - when my world's sky caved in. In my despair I smashed the first thing that offered itself - a large mirror. Thus I had seven years to verify whether broken mirror glass does indeed mean bad luck (it doesn't). Stormed out of the house, found some sort of meadow of a swamp (damp, overgrown), flung myself down and howled. No shit. I suppose my equivalent of your morphs that moment were a huge swarm of hungry mosquitos. Put my misery into perspective.
ReplyDeleteU
"something powerful to say about solidarity, or just simple humanity" say it all. We may be all different, our beliefs may differ, but nothing can change our fundamental makeup. We are all the same at the core and sometimes it takes "little morphs" to remind us.
ReplyDeleteIt's an amazing piece of art. It stirs all sorts of emotions in me too.
ReplyDeleteEven that photo has power.
ReplyDeleteThinking good thoughts for Winnie.
Look at that and I understand how God must feel.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reply.
DeleteJo in Auckland, NZ
It was indeed
DeleteIt immediately brought a smile to my face. I needed that. How's Winnie this morning?
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting piece of art.
ReplyDeleteSending Winnie good thoughts from Ohio!
Just what your soul needed at this time, John.....all those eyes looking up at you....as if waiting for you to respond.
ReplyDeleteArt exhibits can do this to us....I had a similar experience at a photographic exhibit of the Sable Island wild horses....it brought me to tears.
It is an amazing piece. I have seen it to and it is incredible.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine how you felt .. turning a corner and being met with a sight that just grabs your heart .. it is a good thing .
ReplyDeleteHolding Winnie close in my heart and thoughts.
Transparent soul you are . . .
ReplyDeleteIt is uplifting . . .
The are little cuties aren't they? I can see where they would just radiate joy and love to your needful soul.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I don't know that work at all. It's cool that it had such a profound effect on you.
ReplyDeleteLovely x
ReplyDeleteIs it not so interesting how some pieces of art can affect us.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy to know that such an installation could affect you when you needed it.
I rather love the little morphing friends.
cheers, parsnip
The information in the linked piece is very interesting indeed. I would like to see this in person!
ReplyDelete