As a creative student who lived in south London and has just finished university, one of my go to galleries for university was Tate Modern and it’s contemporary fine art pieces. Through the time I have been studying my photography degree, I have been frequent visitor to the point that I know this gallery back to front, due to all the amazing exhibitions I have seen. However with coronavirus, lockdowns and restrictions this year, it has been a miracle being able experience these artists’ works.
Andy Warhol
Before Andy Warhol become well known for “his iconic pop images of Marilyn Monroe, Coca-Cola and Campbell’s soup cans”, and essentially a gay American icon; he was the “son of immigrants who embraced consumerism, celebrity and the counter culture – and changed modern art in the process”. I was drawn to Andy Warhol’s Statue of Liberty which he created in 1962, at the beginning of his Death and Disaster series of paintings. A piece that reflects his history with his parents immigration as the Statue of Liberty was the first sight to greet many immigrants coming to America. A statue that is considered an American icon and a symbol of hope. However I was drawn to this piece, because of the contrast between the various strong colours - black, orange and yellow to reflect the statues positive meaning, with the black reflecting the struggles with immigration.
Bruce Nuaman
Bruce Nuaman is a constantly creative artist, who has “continually tested what an artwork can be, by reshaping old forms and creating new ones”. His artistic works consist of sound, film, video and neon lighting, which has influenced generations of many artists. Within all the works featured in this exhibition, I was drawn to many of his neon lighting based work; especially this piece you can see above. I was very immersed within this piece, as singular entertaining and bold statements would flash on and off, amongst the many you see. Some of these statements remind me of the dark humour you see within the social media and within memes, which is why I felt strongly drawn to this piece.
All quotes are from Tate Modern Website.
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