TateShots Issue 13 - Santiago Sierra

Santiago Sierra stages a provocative work at Tate Modern.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Tate
• Art
• Interview

[mbwana7]

He said it best at the end when describing his work and the type of people who view his art: mostly high class... And "these people become uncomfortable because it's a portrait of themselves." Yes, we are all connected in society despite the walls that separate us and build illusions of wealth...

[killcritter]

Nothing "justifies" exploitation, that's what makes it exploitative. @Estragon17

[alphanumeric17]

but that is what makes is so effective. No one is going to leave that museum without being a little bit affected by what they saw.

[alphanumeric17]

Humanity is a multifaceted thing. There is plenty of negative aspects mixed in with all the beauty. Art is not meant to entertain or represent only the good parts about people. Sierra is showing us the grit that exists within every population. He is not trying to mask it or shove it under a rug, he is bringing it out into the light. What this art says to me is 'look at what our society is producing. We are all responsible. Normally you just ignore it, but today you can't.' It's highly unsettling

[Estragon17]

@cansam2905

Agreed, but what I am saying is that the work does not justify the exploitation.

[cansam2905]

@Estragon17i believe the exploitation is essential for the work's meaning, otherwise it would conceptually feeble if not pointless

[Estragon17]

I have a problem with the idea that simply paying these people.. usually people who can't really afford to turn down the money somehow makes what is done to them okay and not exploitative. I generally like the work, but I do have a problem with that exploitation element.

[parlante123]

Sorry, i don't speak english very well, im from Argentina.

Why you don't argue about the content of things, not only the shape.

[cheysmilesalot]

Well, I like when people know how to spell the word "metaphor."

[kristoffersvenberg]

Such a coward!! Exploiting other people, and then with such a lack of courage that he doesn't dare to show his own face in the interview!! His name is still a brand...