wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Culturist

Eliasson, Again

24 July, 2008 (18:44)

Hey Everyone … the segment I taped on Olafur Eliasson’s waterfalls with WNYC’s Soterios Johnson is going to air sometime
tomorrow morning. I’ll add the link when it does…

If you do not see flash audio player please install the latest flash player.

Download MP3

Meanwhile … It must be ole Olafur’s week. An invitation for “It’s About Time, Man,” a new show opening at the Repetti gallery in Greenpoint, just landed in my in-box. From the release:

“Using a derelict industrial building in Greenpoint, an international group of artists reconstitute the Olafur Eliasson survey on their own terms.

This show responds to the unquestioned acclaim for Eliasson’s faux-natural creations, and inaugurates Repetti’s future home. Twelve artists each address a different Eliasson work using the squalid state of this former carriage house as inspiration. The building will undergo major renovation in the fall and become the new home for Repetti in late ’09.

Organized by William McMillin and Sam Farnsworth, this group of established and emerging artists has strong ties to the Greenpoint area, though also included are several foreign-based artists.”

The image the gallery is using to advertise the show? The cover art from the Pink Floyd album “The Dark Side of the Moon,” of course:

pf.jpg

As Dave Shull, one of the artists in the show, put it, “It’s an ironic show. We don’t believe in him and we’re trying to analyze his work critically” by recreating the art star’s work out of garbage, and with no budget. (Of course, I thought immediately of the conversation about art and money that we have been having here.)

Dave’s contribution will be (he’s still hard at work) an adaptation of the title piece from “Take Your Time,” the giant Eliasson show at MoMA and P.S. 1 that just closed. He didn’t say whether there will be any waterfalls.

The opening is from 7 to 9 p.m. Check it out.

By: Claudia La Rocco | Posted in Uncategorized

Comments

Comment from Ann
Date: July 25, 2008, 9:06 am

I heard the delightful segment this morning and agree those who don’t quite appreciate the so called spectacle of the “waterfalls” The view of the harbor from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is obstructed by the metal structure and the water can barely be seen during the day. During the 125th Anniversary celebration of the Brooklyn Bridge (before the waterfalls were activated, the structure under the Bridge simply looked like an erector set creation - another distraction, in this setting obstructing the view of the glorious old Bridge. And then there is the silly one on the East Rivr Drive against the back drop of a warehouse. All in all I’d rather have a guide to the many waterfalls and fountains in public places throughout the city.

Comment from Claudia La Rocco
Date: July 25, 2008, 9:25 am

Thanks, Ann - I’m glad you liked it, and that is a fabulous idea, a guided tour of NYC waterfalls and fountains. I wonder if such a thing exists. Have to look into it.

You are the second person today to use the erector set analogy. I haven’t seen the waterfalls from the Brooklyn side yet. Sounds like I needn’t hurry to do so…

Comment from joanna
Date: July 25, 2008, 10:04 am

They’re not supposed to be spectacular. That’s part of the point.

Isn’t “spectacular” more “touristy”?

I like them because of their subtlety. It’s a little bit sneaky. (in a good way)

Comment from Claudia La Rocco
Date: July 25, 2008, 10:16 am

Hey Joanna,

Yes, spectacular is more touristy, at least in the stereotypical sense of the word - and really, when do New Yorkers not stereotype tourists? It’s one of our favorite sports!

I like your idea of the waterfalls being sneaky, but I must say I don’t get that from them. I mean, I do on paper, but not when I’m actually looking at them.

Comment from joanna
Date: July 25, 2008, 10:33 am

…look again…

Comment from Marc Beharry
Date: July 25, 2008, 11:48 am

I like the idea, and the view, in addition to the fact that the city could use some attractions. My kids love it, and want to feel the water.

Comment from Andy Golub
Date: July 25, 2008, 12:37 pm

Your segment this morning about the waterfalls was great. I totally agree that they lack the intimacy that street artists provide.

I have been doing live bodypainting throughout the city all summer long and people really love the personal expression.

If you’re interested in seeing some of my live bodypainting, I’ll be painting July 29th on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, July 30 at Tomkins Square Park and July 31 at Washington Square Park. Each day I’ll paint from 1-6pm.
Take care.

Andy
http://www.andygolub.com
845-480-3330 (cell)

Comment from Caleb
Date: July 25, 2008, 3:21 pm

The waterfalls symbolize what’s wrong with the NY art scene these days. A handful of bloated superstar artists get the projects while masses of local/localized artists are getting pushed to the outer boroughs. Unless he/she has a trust fund there is very little real possibility for a young artist to set up shop in Manhattan these days. So, artist are leaving the city and outsiders like Eliasson get blessed with 15 million art projects and then leave to take advantage of another international city. 15 million dollars could have been 1500 $10,000 individual artist grants! - a real waterfall for art in this town.

If you want to create a gimmick for tourists and city administrators then fine you have every right to do what you want with your investor’s money. But if you want to make it art someone just has to call you on it.

Comment from Claudia La Rocco
Date: July 25, 2008, 4:44 pm

Hey Andy - I can’t make those dates, I’ll be out of the city. Do you have some more coming up later in August? And Mark, what do your kids love about it? How old are they and what words do they use to describe it? Kids are often the most surprising critics.

Well said, Caleb.

Write a comment