Thursday, October 21, 2010

LETTER FROM LONDON: THE TURNER PRIZE

In addition to gorging on the performing arts in London last week, we also partook of the visual kind.  Here's how we spent one afternoon, at the Turner Prize exhibition:
Turner Prize 2010
Since 1984, the Turner Prize has been Britain's most prestigious arts competition.  The prize is awarded to an artist under 50, born, living or working in Britain, for an outstanding exhibition in the year through April.  Beginning in October, the finalists, as picked by a jury, have their work exhibited at Tate Britain. (That's the Tate with neither the smokestack nor the 100 million porcelain sunflower seeds.) Then, in December -- drumroll -- a winner will be picked.



It's a big deal in Britain. Like the Whitney Biennial, the reviewers usually have a field day with their criticism. But also like the Biennial, the Turner Prize gets press coverage and is fiercely argued about in art circles.  Even Ladbrokes and William Hill, the British betting shops, post odds on the Turner Prize contestants.


In earlier years, some of the prizewinners have gone on to fame, fortune, and, in some cases, notoriety, including Howard Hodgkin (1985), Gilbert & George (1986), Anish Kapoor  (1991), Rachel Whiteread (1993), Antony Gormley  (1994), and Damien Hirst (1995).


Four artists were short-listed this year and have their work on display now at Tate Britain.  That is, three rooms have art on display; one room is totally empty. There is absolutely nothing to see in this room, because it's exhibiting an aural piece of art.  Yes, you can actually look at this artwork with your eyes closed. Or you can stare at the bare walls and listen to recordings of the "artist," Susan Philipsz, singing folk songs over loudspeakers.  The program describes these songs as "aural interventions."  Well, as Samuel Goldwyn said, include me out. Susan is on my really really short list. Yet, weirdly enough, The Guardian lists Philipsz in second place in the betting. Go figure.

Dexter Dalwood: Burroughs in Tangiers
Dexter Dalwood: Death of David Kelly
Leading the betting is the painter Dexter Dalwood, former member of a punk rock band. Well, maybe not an oil-on-canvas painter, but a painter-collagist.  In any event, and this is radical among Turner Prize finalists, there are images in frames that can be hung on a wall. How radical!  Not only that, but I actually liked some of them.


More evocative of my perception of a leading-edge art contestant is The Otolith Group. Their entries are long, pretentious videos that are explained in the catalog, but both the videos and the explanations left me struggling.  It was here that I started to appreciate aural interventions. Otolith is in last place among the oddsmakers.
Angela de la Cruz: Clutter I


Finally, there is Angela de la Cruz.  What she is doing is worth discussing. Her point of departure, according to the program notes, is that she 


"breaks the stretchers of her canvases...she becomes occupied with liberating painting from the sacred boundaries of its support, allowing it to expand from the flat picture plane into a third dimension."


Angela de la Cruz: Deflated IV
As is so frequent in the arts today, what seems innovative has often been done before.  In literature, in its most blatant form, this is called plagiarism. (Tom Lehrer: Let no one else's work evade your eyes, plagiarize, plagiarize, plagiarize.)


In the visual arts, it's considered less as copying and more as flattering:  building, if you will, on the shoulders on giants. Appropriation, it's called.  And what Angela de la Cruz has done is to build on, to emulate, to pay tribute to, or to appropriate what American artist Sam Gilliam did more than a generation earlier. In the 1960s, Gilliam became the first painter to introduce the idea of an unsupported canvas. From his WikiPedia entry:
Sam Gilliam: Double Fashion


He works on stretched, draped, and wrapped canvas, and adds sculptural 3D elements. He is recognized as the first artist to introduce the idea of a painted canvas hanging without stretcher bars ...Around 1965 Gilliam became the first painter to introduce the idea of the unsupported canvas. He was inspired to do this by observing laundry hanging outside his Washington studio. This was the first of its kind and was of huge influence throughout the art world. His drape paintings were suspended from ceilings, arranged on walls or floors, and they represent a sculptural, third dimension in painting.
Sam Gilliam


The two italicized passages are remarkably similar. In both: removing the canvas from the stretcher and adding a third dimension.


Angela is doing something imaginative, and does it OK.  But Sam imagined it first, and does it brilliantly.


There you have it.  In December we'll know who wins -- the aural artist, the painter-collagist, the videographer, or the emulator.  Here's the betting from Oct. 7 poll in The Guardian:




And you thought the Super Bowl was big.



40 comments:

  1. Hi Ben,
    My name is Mandali from London, UK. Great to hear you enjoyed a trip to our beautiful country without a drop of rain in sight!
    I am contacting you to find out how best to contact your brother Harold Rosen to see if he'd be interested in rekindling his Lunar X Prize team. I know he and his team quit back in 2008 for a number of reasons, but my team would be interested in picking up from where he left off if he is open to the idea. Even if he doesn't think there's any life left in the mission - we do!
    I realise this suggestion may be a little forward, but could you pass on this idea to him on the off-chance he may accept?
    Some background on me: I am an expert in space-based location systems and develop GPS systems primarily into the consumer electronics and telco sectors. I run my consultancy practice MKInnovation out of London (UK) since 2008, as an extension of earlier mobile phone systems work I pioneered in Japan in 2004/5.
    My "lunar x" team is based primarily out of the UK, with a number of international partners providing critical parts of the mission capability. My email is at space @ mkinnovation.com or you also contact me via my website's standard web-based contact form.
    Looking forward to hearing from you!
    Kind regards,
    Mandali Khalesi

    ReplyDelete
  2. PS. A 20 min interview just last week by the Lunar X Prize-focused blogger is available at http://evadot.com/2010/10/19/evadot-podcast-44-a-pragmatic-approach-to-a-new-uk-based-google-lunar-xprize-team/, detailing the reasons for joining the prize and how we plan on being different to the other teams. Hope this proves useful/shows that we're serious.

    ReplyDelete
  3. These include lawyer fees, application fees, credit reports,
    title search fees, notary fees, insurance fees, property appraisal fees, loan document
    preparation fees, as well as other closing expenses quick loans
    common fees that you will notice and in all probability must pay for when switching
    loans is often a 'switching fee', an 'early termination fee',
    an 'early discharge fee' as well as a 'deferred set up fee'.
    my site - quick loans

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your advance loan company expedite the procedure for
    attaining cash flow and will obtain it completed inside a fraction of
    the time Payday Loans however, the
    last option is more reliable compared on the initial two,
    because total funds are available in the traditional bank throughout the clock.
    My web page > Payday Loans

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello, I think your blog could possibly be having browser compatibility problems.
    When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping
    issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Besides that, great blog!

    Check out my site: solar teichpumpe mit akku

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bernarԁ Maoff was unmasƙed a year аgo, underscoring the value of your aсcumսlated
    aѕsets, if posѕible, you want to ѕee the array of inѵestmeոt
    opportunities that didn't smell гight to you. The above
    stеps fіnancial neеd analƴsis would hepp to maintain the momentum.


    My web blog :: financial planner software

    ReplyDelete
  7. fangyanting20150930
    nike outlet store, http://www.nikeoutletstore.us/
    hogan, http://www.scarpehogan-outlet.it/
    chanel handbags, http://www.chanelhandbags-outlet.co.uk/
    nike huarache, http://www.nike-airhuarache.co.uk/
    nike air max shoes, http://www.nikeairmaxshoess.co.uk/
    louis vuitton handbags, http://www.louisvuittonhandbag.us/
    pandora jewelry, http://www.pandora.eu.com/
    oakley outlet, http://www.oakleyoutlet.in.net/
    air jordan 4, http://www.airjordan4.org/
    oakley sunglasses, http://www.oakleysunglasses-outlet.us.com/
    michael kors factory outlet, http://www.michaelkorsfactoryoutlets.in.net/
    ugg boots, http://www.uggboot.com.co/
    nike mercurial, http://www.nikemercurial.org/
    replica watches, http://www.replicawatchesforsale.us.com/
    mcm outlet, http://www.mcm.in.net/
    louis vuitton handbags, http://www.louisvuittonhandbags.org.uk/
    louis vuitton outlet, http://www.louisvuittonoutletstore.name/
    soccer jerseys, http://www.soccerjerseys.us.com/
    prada shoes, http://www.pradashoes.us/
    chanel handbags, http://www.chanelhandbagsoutlet.in.net/
    cheap snapbacks, http://www.cheapsnapbacks.us.com/
    gucci handbags, http://www.guccihandbags-outlet.co.uk/
    michael kors outlet, http://www.michaelkorsoutletcanada.in.net/
    oakley sunglasses, http://www.oakley.in.net/
    michael kors handbags, http://www.michaelkorshandbag.co.uk/
    ugg boots, http://www.uggbootscheap.eu.com/
    louis vuitton, http://www.louisvuitton.in.net/
    kobe bryant shoes, http://www.kobebryantshoes.in.net/
    coach outlet, http://www.coachoutletus.us/
    north face jackets, http://www.thenorthfaces.in.net/
    dv

    ReplyDelete
  8. إذا كنت في أي مكان بالرياض من شمال الرياض أو شرق الرياض أو غرب الرياض أو جنوب الرياض وتسعى للوصول إلى أفضل النتائج في أعمال الفك والتعبئةشركة نقل عفش
    شركة نقل اثاث من الرياض الى قطر
    شركة نقل عفش من الرياض الى قطر
    شركة نقل عفش بجدة

    ReplyDelete
  9. من افضل واقوى الشركات التي تقدم خدمات مكافحة حشرات المنزل البق والصراصير والنمل والعته تلك التي تستخدم مبيدات آمنة وفعالة ومضمونة مثل ارخص شركه مكافحه حشرات بجده التي تتعامل في مكافحة الحشرات وتستخدم مبيدات آمنة ومضمونة كما هو الوضع او النظام في مثل شركه مكافحه حشرات التي تتعامل مع الحشرات في المنازل

    ReplyDelete
  10. بق الفراش في أريزونا ليست مشكلة جديدة. لقد كانوا حولها منذ ملايين السنين. هذا أطول من الناس. لذلك فهم يعرفون شيئًا أو اثنين عن كيفية البقاء على قيد الحياة. إنها أخطاء قابلة للتكيف بدرجة كبيرة ، وقد تطورت للتغلب على العديد من الحالات. فهي محصنة ضد بعض مبيدات الآفات.
    شركة نقل عفش بالرياض
    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالاحساء
    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالدمام

    ReplyDelete
  11. If You are looking for something different, then I am ready. Escorts Service in Shimla I am well educated, have an open mind and have the girlish charm that Is fun and easy to be found. You will always find me smart, clean and fresh as I am very conscientious about my hygiene and I expect all my clients to reciprocate in the same manner. Check our other Services...
    Escorts Service in Udaipur
    Female Escorts in Haridwar
    Russian Call Girls in Connaught Place
    Russian Call Girls in Gurgaon
    Russian Call Girls in Lucknow
    Russian Escorts in Surat

    ReplyDelete
  12. I appreciate the time you’ve taken out to show me the ropes and ensure that I have the required knowledge to do a great job. Thank you.
    read more

    ReplyDelete
  13. I was very pleased to find this web-site. I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  14. It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

    Uberant.com
    Information
    Click Here

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.

    Visit Web
    Profiles.wordpress.org
    Information

    ReplyDelete
  16. It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

    Click Here
    Visit Web
    Gust.com

    ReplyDelete


  17. شركة رش مبيدات بجدة
    التحدث عن الاخطار التي تسببها حشرات المنزل سنقوم بسردها وتعريفها واحدة تلو الأخري كما سنتعرف علي الطرق التي يمكن القيام بها للتصدي المبدئي لها وهذا مجرد حل مؤقت سنقوم بفعله تمهيداً للأتصال بشركة لديها القدرة علي مواجهة كافة الأخطار المتعلقة بالقضاء عليها وإخلاء البيت من كل المضار التي أتت بسببهاافضل شركة رش مبيدات بجدة

    ReplyDelete




  18. شركة تنظيف مجالس بجدة
    بما ان النظافه اهم كثيرا من المظهر و التعطبر فا دون تنظيف فا لمجالس سوف تكون تنظيفها صعبا ل غايه و الوسخ الخبيث مثل التي تتواجد خلف و تحت الكنب و ما بين الزوايا و ذلك يعود نتيجه الي وجود الصغار داخل المجالس و بما انه المجلس يمتلك اهميه قصوى و بالغه لجميع الاسر حيث انهم يجتمعون عليه و لا يوجد شك في اجاد البقع بي صعوبه بها و عندما ندرك ذلك سريعا و مع محاوله تنظيفها يزداد الموقف صعوبه و يزداد ابضا اتساع مساحه الأوساخ و البقع و يسبب ذلك دمار لي المظهر العام لي المجالس . المجلس الذي يوجد في مكان مفتوح يكون ايضا اكثر مكان لي العرض لي البقع و الاوساخ. شركة تنظيف مجالس بجدة .

    و مع وجود الاتربه و الاوساخ و البقع يوجد نتيجه لي وجود تلك الاشياء يتكون رائحه كريهه و لكي نتخلص من هذه الروائح يجب ان نستاصلها من جذورها و هي نظافه المجلس جيدا من كل الاوساخ و الاتربه و البقع و لكن التخلص من تلك الروائح لا تتم عن طريق رش عطور هذا حل موقتا و ليس حالا مناسب لي المشكله و لكن الحل الامثل لي حل ألمشكله هو تنظيف المجالس جيدا و هذا يتم عن طريق شركه تنظيف المجالس بجده فهي تقوم بي حل المشكله من جذورها لذا كل ما عليكن هو طلب شركه تنظيف المجالس بجده و اتركي الباقي اليها افضل شركة تنظيف مجالس بجدة

    ReplyDelete
  19. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

    Visit Web
    Bridalexposure.com
    Information

    ReplyDelete
  20. Aw, this was a really nice post. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.

    Advancedbusiness.co
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  21. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

    Stylist-profi.ru
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  22. I was very pleased to find this web-site. I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

    Hawkee.com
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete