GIZMODO
The Tate Modern has housed some strange art—huge curving slides, a massive artificial sun, and a giant spider, to name a few. But its new installation is the strangest yet: a mind-boggling carpet of 100 million sunflower seeds.
The seeds, installed by Chinese conceptual artist Ai Weiwei, come as the eleventh commission in the Tate Modern’s Unilever series, which fills the museum’s central Turbine Hall with big, unusual and often interactive art. Weiwei’s seeds—all 100 million of them—are not actual sunflower seeds but porcelain replicas, hand-crafted and individually painted over the course of two years by some 1600 Chinese artisans.
This is what you get when you have 1601 people with too much time on their hands.
Yes, they should be making something important like bullets or TV’s.
Maybe 100 million plastic statues of Jesus.
It’s a “carpet” of fake seeds. Does that mean that they are not glued down? How long before the whole thing disappears, with each visitor snatching up a seed or two, as a souvenir?
And for this museum having such a large room, empty of any other works besides a seed carpet. You have to wonder. Is this just another tax right off for the rich? I prefer museums that are crammed with works, at ever turn. And that aren’t gigantic, near empty halls, of huge works by a very few artisans. I prefer museums that you can get lost in, and rarely take in all the art they have in a single visit. Rather than museums that the art gets lost in. And one leaves feeling “that’s all they had?”.
Not too many years ago, someone on CBS’ 60 Minutes, dared to point out the absurdities of modern commercial art. Things like piles of wrapped candy, and valveless urinals hanging from the wall. And my all time favorite, some “artist’s” own crap, sealed in a can and labeled as such. The obvious statement about art being lost on the museum that bought it. I think the criticism help lose that man his job at CBS. Meanwhile the “crap” art world continues to thrive.
#17–Matt==I liked the first two photo’s in your link. Mystery in both. Composition. The remainder were the type I would take in years gone by when I wanted the film out of my camera for developing.
You say: “I’m not trying to be an asshole, // and I didn’t say or imply you were–just misdirected by commerce
but seriously, expand your view of art a bit! /// What makes you think I haven’t? the same straw man that says people criticizing this installation “hate” it. No accepting of arts appeal to different values? Only your values apply?
They’re just creating new and odd situations to experience. /// Yes, like dog crap drying in the sun. Would that be better than the Mona Lisa too?
I’d much rather walk through those seeds than look at the Mona Lisa. /// Have you stood before the Mona Lisa? Different than pictures of it.
And why? I’ve seen prints of the Mona Lisa all my life! I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s neat! //// Well, if you “grow” as a person and bank similar experiences, maybe you will come to see the meaningless of it. Or maybe you will remain in the larval stage, constantly amused by your own shadow?
To redirect: my complaint of you is not what you find enjoyment in but rather that you would criticize those who do not. Thats very close to Vonnegut’s criticism regardless of the quibbles that be.
Yes, art. Personal Enjoyment, fulfillment, insight, growth, acceptance.
Does remind me of a rather mechanical joke: Did you see the exhibit of all those sexual sunflower seeds? How sexual? Just a bunch of fucking ceramic shells.
find all the pleasure you may, and allow others the same.
” Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard
Are sweeter; therefore, ye soft pipes, play on;
Not to the sensual ear, but, more endear’d,
Pipe to the spirit ditties of no tone (lines 11–14) Ode on a Greecian Urn
Seriously, this work is great.
In one fell swoop it has changed western views (for some) of Chinese culture. Break the stereotypes, scream, we are not what’s in your mind.
More powerful than just making the statement “We are not what you think we are.”
Bravo……..
Hey Bobbo,
I gotta say man, starting off your post by insulting my artwork is pretty weak and pretty mean. I’m happy to take intelligent criticism, but that is not what you gave. It’s no big deal to me, but it illustrates your character very clearly.
You make some good points, but your overall tone is negative, and I don’t think you’re interested in discussion, just arguing. That sucks, man. See ya.
Now, why did I expect better?
Ha, ha. My bad.
After this exhibit is over, will someone have to count all the seeds to make sure none are missing? That could put a few people to work.
Also, I have an idea for his next art exhibit. 100 million jelly beans, each one a different color, & no two the same color!
http://guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/oct/14/ai-weiwei-turbine-hall-installation-closed
It is now closed because of health concerns over the amount of ceramic dust.
>> This is what you get when you have 1601 people with too much time on their hands.
I doubt it was boredom … it was probably because Chinese are cheap labor.