http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/burkeandnorfolk/default.shtm
The other day Alex and I went to the Tate modern to go and view the Burke and Norfolk exhibition titled Photographs from the war in Afghanistan. This was always going to be an emotive subject for the pair of us as Alex has previously done a tour with the Territorial Army.
Norfolk the present day photographer, was reflecting on Burkes original photos taken (i think, i will check) in the late 1800.
The comparison was clear and i felt that the photos showed progress within the country particularly in the context of equality and the things women and children are now allowed to take part in. For example there is now a women's basketball team and girls are allowed to go skateboarding. These are the type of things that resonate with Alex and i suppose give him a sense of achievement and reason to the things he has experienced and the conflict he faced when he carried out his tour.
However the view that Norfolk put across was rather pessimistic, and he viewed the conflict as something that has happened before many times, will happen again, and just causes 'the murder of innocent Afghan's' with no progress being made and no valid reason for this to be happening. For Alex i think this was one step too far and it did seem like Norfolk was poo-pooing the brave and courageous work that not just Alex, but all soldiers have put in. Something which i felt was rather inappropriate and ignorant.
Everyone has their own views on conflicts such as the one in Afghanistan, and Art offers the opportunity for people to express themselves and their own views, but where is that line where things become indecent to show or inappropriate? Is their one when it comes to Art? If there is, i'm not sure where it sits.
About Me
- Emma Saunders Creative Works
- I would say i place more emphasis on how people react and engage with my work as opposed to a final finished piece. I like to use my work as a ‘catalyst for conversation’ setting up situations where people are faced with socialising and communicating. Whether that is a Tea Party, Gardening Club, or sewing workshop, i find appropriating social forms keeps your hands busy, relaxes your mind, keeps anxieties at bay, and naturally progresses towards conversation. The nature of my work activates the viewer, hopefully engaging them. Providing me with a participant to work alongside, and making us into a a collaborative team. The realisation of this means that i can never predict the outcome of the work, and also makes it very susceptible to change on an hourly basis due to the involvement of others. As a creator of these 'situations' it can be exhilarating, exhausting, nerve-wracking, and stressful, but the buzz and atmosphere created is a just reward for the roller-coaster of emotions each piece produces.
