Sunday at the TATE Modern
Sometimes the best things happen when not everything goes as planned…
Today, I was supposed to meet my friend B at the TATE Modern for a coffee and a walk. Like many museums in London, the TATE is free unless you want to see the special exhibits.
I arrived a little before 2:30 at the cafe, as planned. I dont have a phone yet, so I told him he had a window of 30 minutes to show up. I knew he had an appointment before meeting me, so I knew his running late was a possibility. As 3pm approached, I finished my mocha and headed to the third floor to walk around. I decided just to do one floor so that I could walk back on another Sunday and see another floor, as I think this is going to become a Sunday ritual outing!
There were a couple of pieces that really caught my eye. I wished I had my camera with me, but I did not carry my purse.
The first piece was by Miroslaw Balka. Now, for those of you who know me well, you will understand just why I liked this piece.
Upon initial view, it is a very long column of objects suspended from the ceiling. As I took a closer look, I still couldnt figure out what the objects were. So I walked around to read the sign. The piece is called 480x10x10. And it is essentially soap on a rope! I actually laughed out loud once I looked at the piece again. Indeed, they were soap bars stacked on top of each other and threaded with wire.
The second piece that was really interesting was 30 Pieces of Silver by Cornelia Parker.
Thirty Pieces of Silver comprises over a thousand flattened silver objects, including plates, spoons, candlesticks, trophies, cigarette cases, teapots and trombones. All the objects were ceremoniously crushed by a steamroller at Cornelia Parker’s request. She then arranged the transformed silver artefacts into thirty disc-shaped groups, which are suspended about a foot from the floor by hundreds of fine wires. Each ‘disc’ is approximately ninety centimetres in diameter and they are always hung in orderly rows, although their overall configuration is adapted each time to the space in which the work is displayed. The title refers to the biblical story of how the apostle Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus in return for thirty pieces of silver.
I found the idea of this piece fascinating. Every single piece of silver appeared to hover perfectly in line with its neighbors. From the search for the silver to the flattening, hole drilling and hanging, this was an impressive installation.
After I had completed the rooms on the third floor, I walked down to the shop to see what was there. I bought a small Andy Warhol print of Campbell’s Tomato Soup in the colors of my room, as well as some post cards I thought a friend would appreciate back in KC.
During my walk home, I decided to take a path I had not yet walked just to see where it led. I found a Holiday Inn Express for those of you wanting to visit and stay near. I also found the post office, a couple convenience shops and take aways, as well as some interesting businesses.
Another cool thing about my walk is that the bridges I walk under are all lit up or posted with art to celebrate the nearness of the TATE. I’ll have to take some photos soon so you can see.
All in all, today was a Kate-date. Sometimes just walking around and finding treasures can put a little spark in your step. I’m happy.
