Among the myriads of emotions felt by humankind, love is definitely among the strongest and most universal sensation. Love can be liken to affection, friendship, kinship, Eros, or charity. It can also be related between lovers, friends, family, human and creation, mortal and divine. As Valentine's Day is drawing near, a visit to the LOVE touring exhibition in Bristol's Museums, Galleries & Archives is an apt way to contemplate this universal yet highly personal sensation.
The free exhibition of visual arts from the 16th Century up to the present day on the theme is a good eye opener for anyone who wish to experience a little more of how various artists including Raphael, Goya, Turner, Emin, Singh and many more see and express this powerful subject. Through the intricate masterpieces, one can explore the similarities and difference of how the theme of love is expressed by each individuals across the time line. In addition, one can gain a deeper sense of how love influences not only arts, but mythologies, storytelling, culture and our fundamental perception of the creation.
Before visiting the visual art pieces in the gallery, I think it is a good idea to first view the 15 minutes video clip that is shown outside near the gallery entrance. This is especially helpful for viewers who are not familiar with the artworks as the video gives a comprehensive commentary. It can further your appreciation for the works in the gallery. Next to the video is an interactive artwork by Yoko Ono where you can participate.
Most of the work in the gallery are paintings. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by Anthony Frederick's Medea that depicts the destructive actions prompted by love betrayed. As you walk on, the paintings will touch on the themes of jealousy, bliss, faithfulness of love, agony of love lost, long lasting love, family love, charity, divine and sacred love, seduction and secular pleasure, pain that often intermingle with love, lust and the consequences, love's triumph and unrequited love. Each painting invoke a strong feeling associated with a certain aspect of love.
My personal favorites are the 2 sculptures in the exhibition. The first is a small ceramic rabbit filled with inscriptions of 'God please keep my children safe' by Grayson Perry. The fragile rabbit captures the helpless sense of a parent's almost obsessive love for the children in the face of uncertainties and the lack of security in this sometimes hostile world very well. I can feel the vulnerability of how even with all the fervent prayers, it is still a great test of faith to hope for the best.
The other sculpture is an almost life size marble sculpture by Marc Quinn entitled 'Kiss'. Although the sculpture can be seen on both the exhibition leaflets as well as the exhibition companion booklet's cover, there is something I did not quite notice initially until I had walked a full circle around the statue. The two intimately embraced and kissing couple has some peculiarities. The male figure has short and deformed arms while the female figure is missing a limb. However, looking at the statue, these deformities does not seem to matter at all. The couple entirely absorbed into each other looks complete and beautifully perfect. This work really reminds me of the fact that love is all encompassing. Love does not discriminate. Everyone, rich or poor, whole or flawed are entitled to love and anyone can chose to love truly and passionately. The eyes of of true love sees beyond any flaws or shortcomings a person may have.
The LOVE touring exhibition is really an excellent opportunity to deepen your sense of appreciation for your loved ones, your neighbors or even strangers. With the wonderful pieces on display, it is also a sumptuous feast for all lovers of art. Come and do not miss this chance to be saturated with Love!
~Written on 23 Jan 2008 (Wed)
A link to it http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/articles/2007/12/07/love_exhibition_feature.shtml
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