- Venue
- Tate Modern
- Location
Fischli and Weiss are like the Batman and Robin of the art world, fighting the conventions of art to open our eyes and make us see the world in a new light. Through a variety of media they create very different artworks, photographic imagery, performative videos, and sculptures; all of which encapsulate the world around. Their diversity and techniques take the mundane elements of life and combined with imagination; transform them. Thank goodness that the Tate has chosen to present their vast mass of work in Flowers and Questions: A Retrospective.
The most interesting part of the exhibition has to be room three, the aptly named “Suddenly This Overview”. It's a labyrinth of sixty plinths each with an unfired clay sculpture on top, depicting it's individual printed title. The titles are brimming with light hearted truth and imagination, and when teamed with the sculpture create a childlike excitement and laughter. How is it possible not to laugh at 'Man and Beast', a clay representation of two men in a pantomime horse outfit? Or at 'Dr Spock looks at his home planet Vulcanus and is a bit sad that he cannot have any feelings', a model of Spock looking out of a large window of the starship enterprise? Fischli and Weiss place before us familiar scenes from our memory bank. They ignite a chain of remembered events that have been forgotten, reminding us how to think and feel in a way that we sometimes forget when we're too busy.
The physicality of viewing the piece is an odd experience. The layout and height of the plinths forces the audience to weave around them, whilst crouching to look at the title and detail of each, adding a performative element to the work. There are long pauses where people are reading and then two seconds later a blurt of laughter can be heard. Because people read at different times it's as though the laughter is constant.
It seems strange that something so simple can be so interesting. But this artwork is more than just about the sculptures. It creates a unique atmosphere and interaction within the audience. On viewing it was clear that EVERYONE enjoyed it, which is a rare find with most artwork.
The success of this particular piece is due to the combination of witty titles and childlike sculpture. Fischli and Weiss have created clay snapshots of the mind. They have provided us with the elements of everyday life in an unusual 3D format, interspersing reality with fiction and the imaginary. They force us to appreciate the unimportant; whilst also providing an escape from the seemingly important bustle of life.
It is refreshing and honest. An art that is accessible to everyone. A familiar, witty and enlightening piece that provides all who see it with a new perspective on the world.
Fine Art student currently studying at Nottingham Trent University.
