Tuesday 17 November 2009

Returning from the Salon Room at Tango @ 33...

...I got a sneak preview of a new exhibition in Trafalgar Square. “A 'ghost rainforest' of huge tree stumps from the jungles of Africa is to form a dramatic artwork in London's Trafalgar Square” reads the press release. Huge stumps of naturally-fallen tropical trees were being put in place. One aim is to highlight deforestation, but bringing these huge natural things into that very organised square seems a reminder of a vaster reality. Conceivably trees like this once forested London: in ruins they resemble the aftermath of a global catastrophe, man-made or otherwise. & at midwinter, a strange time to do it. How might they look under snow? & what strange contrast will they make with the inevitable Christmas tree?

At least they will draw attention away from the fourth plinth, currently occupied by a bizarre-looking sculpture of a very brave WW2 pilot. Why it looks bizarre, I'm not quite sure. It's over seven feet tall, but that shouldn't be a problem. It's made out of fibreglass rather than bronze. Somehow, sadly, it looks terribly trivial.

2 comments:

Golondrina said...

Any thoughts on Salon Room? The last time I was there it was great for about an hour and then it began to get busy and it was as if all the rules had been abandoned (sigh)...

Tangocommuter said...

There was a demo upstairs, so just as it began to get crowded it emptied again. No need for any 'rules' in a nearly empty room! & then I had to commute. Right now I think the idea, is important. Then let's get used to using it.

Sorry you weren't well last Friday. I've put links to my videos above.