hoienk
Performative
EDITING THIS PHOTO
I believe this photograph is performative as it represents time. While the "nurse log" itself is decaying, it is providing nutrients and life to all the other plants (& insects) in the installation. Past pictures of the nurse log reveal the incredible growth and change over time, creating wonder in ones mind of what the nurse log will look like ten years from now. Interestingly, the nurse log is "nursed" by the greenhouse with a watering system, temperature control, and soil enhancement, to name a few, which mimic the natural habitat for this type of transformation to take place.
Neukom Vivarium addresses "the environment directly" (2011, 194). Artist Mark Dion likes to instigate thoughtful consideration of the environment and how we relate to it, both culturally and historically. He states, "I never want people to fixate on the 'Is this art?' question. I want them to ask, 'Is this an interesting situation, experience or thing?'" (2011, 196). The Neukom Vivarium is a piece of art that not only addresses the environment, but our culture, which is transforming the face of this planet. It causes one to think about the details of the plants and insects growing on a decaying log. It fulfill Dion's desire and provides an interesting experience for viewers walking through a developed, cemented, downtown Seattle and depicts what this very city looked like not too long ago.
Performative
EDITING THIS PHOTO
I believe this photograph is performative as it represents time. While the "nurse log" itself is decaying, it is providing nutrients and life to all the other plants (& insects) in the installation. Past pictures of the nurse log reveal the incredible growth and change over time, creating wonder in ones mind of what the nurse log will look like ten years from now. Interestingly, the nurse log is "nursed" by the greenhouse with a watering system, temperature control, and soil enhancement, to name a few, which mimic the natural habitat for this type of transformation to take place.
Neukom Vivarium addresses "the environment directly" (2011, 194). Artist Mark Dion likes to instigate thoughtful consideration of the environment and how we relate to it, both culturally and historically. He states, "I never want people to fixate on the 'Is this art?' question. I want them to ask, 'Is this an interesting situation, experience or thing?'" (2011, 196). The Neukom Vivarium is a piece of art that not only addresses the environment, but our culture, which is transforming the face of this planet. It causes one to think about the details of the plants and insects growing on a decaying log. It fulfill Dion's desire and provides an interesting experience for viewers walking through a developed, cemented, downtown Seattle and depicts what this very city looked like not too long ago.