Sadly, the Sparks! exhibit will soon be closing. I hadn’t had a chance to visit it again since it opened, so I spoiled myself a bit and took some time to experience it again this morning. I even decided to treat myself to an audio guide tour, which was very interesting and added a little extra something to my visit. There are two pieces that really caught my attention this trip through the exhibit. The audio guides offered some further information than the wall label, and they also have a touch of music that is quite fun for each piece.
I know a lot of people don’t necessarily understand pop art or at least some pieces of the genre, but I have to admit – I love it! For example, Alex Hay’s Paper Bag is a featured work in Sparks! Perhaps you’re wondering what this work of art looks like. Well, close your eyes and imagine a big paper bag. I mean really big. That’s pretty much it. I like to hear the comments people make regarding work of art such as this, but I have to say the ideas behind pop art are pretty darn interesting.
Pop artists are typically celebrating and critiquing society’s consumerism at the same time. I think the pop artists wanted people to take a look at all the items that you consume throughout the day. Can you imagine what these pop artists from the 1960s would think about society today? Pop art always offers an element of surprise for me, and it also often makes me laugh. Paper Bag seems very relevant still today with all the talk of “going green” and focus on the environment and recycling. This piece questions the ideas of convenience and how society is constantly buying more and more of bigger and bigger products. Who knew a monstrous paper bag made out of fiberglass could say all that?
The second work that I’ve always really admired is by Felix Gonzalez-Torres. Untitled (March 5th) #2 is a fairly unassuming work. In fact, many people may not even acknowledge it as art. This piece consists of two light bulbs simply hanging on the wall together. This may not sound like much, but the meaning of the work is truly powerful. Gonzalez-Torres was an AIDS activist until his death in 1996. The date of the work is in honor of his late partner’s birthday, who passed away in 1991.
The work is symbolic of their relationship. It represents one point of illumination for both their lives. I really appreciate how subtle Gonzalez-Torres’ political message is because it makes it so much more personal and intense. The light bulbs reflect the transience of human relationships and the fleetingness of life. I’ve always been intrigued by art that is considered to constantly be in progress. Once the bulbs burn out, they are replaced and the artwork begins anew.
Sparks! will close on July 20th, so if you haven’t had a chance to see this impressive collection of modern and contemporary art - make time!