Electric currents in modern art
How might some of the exhibits have been dangerous?
Modern sculpture rarely surprises us any more. The idea that modern art can only be seen
in museums is mistaken. Even people who take no interest in art cannot have failed to
notice examples of modern sculpture on display in public places. Strange forms stand
in gardens, and outside buildings and shops. We have got quite used to them. Some
so-called 'modern' pieces have been on display for nearly eighty years.
In spite of this, some people -- including myself -- were surprise by a recent exhibition
of modern sculpture. The first thing I saw when I entered the art gallery was a notice which
said: 'Do not touch the exhibits. Some of them are dangerous!' The objects on display were
pieces of moving sculpture.
Oddly shaped forms that are suspended form the ceiling and move in response to a gust of
wind are quite familiar to everybody. These objects, however, were different. Lined up
against the wall, there were long thin wires attached to metal spheres. The spheres had
been magnetized and attracted or repelled each other all the time. In the centre of the
hall, there were a number of tall structures which contained coloured lights.
These lights flickered continuously like traffic lights which have gone mad. Sparks were
emitted from small black boxes and red lamps flashed on and off angrily. It was rather like
an exhibition of prehistoric electronic equipment. These peculiar forms not only seemed
designed to shock people emotionally, but to give them electric shocks as well!