“What do ballistic gel blocks, a television commercial, business logos, a large-scale video production of gunfire, and a discarded Honda Dream motorcycle have in common?” When I walked into the MCA’s exhibition featuring The Propeller Group, this question first greeted me. Though I caught a glimpse of the three towering white flags in the entrance—I could hardly miss them—I hurried to the gallery’s introduction as a reference for the rest of my experience. Though long-winded, this question did peak my interest, so you can imagine my immediate disappointment when the very next sentence: “Each appears in this exhibition” accompanied by an explanation of the artist group themselves. The Propeller Group (Matt Lucero, Tuan Andrew Nguyen, and Phunam) is a “Vietnam-based artist team.” This exhibition is said to present an alternative perspective challenging the Western point of view that often dominates popular culture, while also exploring the similarities of political campaigns and entertainment. All this in just seven projects. (Six for me because I was unable to see the feature-length film AK-47 vs. M16 The Film screened in conjunction with the exhibition). With a lot to consider, I began my perusal of the exhibition.
Because I could no longer ignore them, I turned my attention to the towering white flags above me bearing a geometric flower design. A 60-second utopic commercial for the new communism explained that the flags bear the symbol of this movement. Moving past into the section displaying bullet remnants of AK-47 and M16, I started to experience this alternative perspective that the gallery introduction had promised me. As an American, the most I’ve heard about the Vietnam War is the student protests to it. I knew about the guerilla warfare, but in my education the ending of the war itself remains vague and unimportant. In a period where the U.S. was still feverishly fighting communism, retreating from the Vietnam War and leaving the communist influence of Northern Vietnam essentially victorious is an uncomfortable subject. Therefore my western interpretation of events was subverted by the peculiarity of that favorable take on communism, supported by the bullet fragments preserved mid-fire in ballistic gel that reflect the bitter years of fighting.
The Dream, The Propeller Group
After these bold, impressionistic pieces, I stumbled upon a quieter work of art tucked in the last room of the gallery. The skeletal frame of a Honda Dream model motorbike sturdily welded to a metal pallet sits beside a time-laps video. I move around the rest of the gallery, viewing snippets of video, a house frame, a carved piece of wood, a buffalo skull; but I kept inching back to this motorbike frame. Somehow it stands out from the other pieces. The declarations of communism and the petrified bullets were bold, loud pieces. The carved wood twisted its way to a threatening snake’s head with impressive fangs. Even the skull, despite death’s stillness, remained fierce. But the solitary frame of the motorbike felt sad, stripped of its pride and usefulness. The video displayed beside it sheds light on how the bike reached this lowly state; nestled in a small street side courtyard sits a shining white Honda Dream motorbike. The information panel tells me this is in fact the same bike, though the one on screen shares no resemblance to the hallow frame beside it. For a while the only movement is the frantic quivering of leaves on a few nearby trees and the occasional exaggerated bustle of pedestrian traffic. Eventually the first of thieves come, but they start small. As quick as they come they are gone and the bike remains mostly in tact. For the next few minutes however my steady fixation on the bike is interrupted by bursts of thieves taking more and more until I recognize the piece beside me on screen. The information panel of the piece describes how The Propeller Group uses the hidden camera to tap “into our voyeuristic fantasies—our desire to see without being seen, and to know what others do when they think no one else is watching.” I’m almost ashamed to admit that I did feel this satisfaction, like I was catching the thieves by witnessing their crime. But I wasn’t, as evidenced by the dead bike carcass beside me. Just like guerilla warfare, these thieves sporadically attacked the bike in unpredictable bursts of movements. This was a successful tactic, for I as the viewer remained on my toes and unprepared for their attacks until I was already witnessing them.
In some ways I saw the thieves more as collaborators than criminals. The artists presented the bike, but the thieves carved out the piece of art themselves, and I as their unknown observer completed the work’s presentation by viewing the video and the bike frame as a whole. This individual information panel asked an interesting question as well: “what does it mean to set out a desirable object as bait?” Upon pondering the theme of undermining Western perspectives, I settled on the idea that this is a subverted form of commerce. The bike was set out purposefully as bait, so it was mean to be stolen. Normally, objects are meant to be purchased, but not this. Therefore I’m inclined to go easy on the thieves, seeing as they were doing what was expected. In an environment where desirables are expected to be stolen, thieves fulfill rather than subvert expectation. The name of the piece, The Dream, presents a final satisfactory irony. Even the bike model’s name is enticing, but because of this, humanity’s selfish nature gets the better of them. Sometimes a self-serving attitude is necessary for survival, but that can quickly escalate to greed, infringing on the ideal operation of society. This is why communism, and other economic and government systems, fails their theorized purpose. From he hopeful commercial for new communism (basking in the glory of the towering flags) I made my way to a darker corner of the gallery where the remnants of a lonely motorbike quietly reminded me the reason for why societal systems rarely work as planed: the human element.
“The Propeller Group.” Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. 220 E Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611. 4 October 2016.
Wall text, The Propeller Group, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Chicago, IL. June 4th– November 13th, 2016.
19,125 Comments
The article looks magnificent, but it would be beneficial if you can share more about the suchlike subjects in the future https://go88ok.net/
In the realm of sexual health, timely testing and accurate results are paramount. At Freeandclear, we offer a superior STD Test Dubai that ensures peace of mind with a fast and comprehensive approach to STD screening. Our commitment to early diagnosis and efficient treatment sets us apart, providing a crucial service for anyone who believes they may have been exposed to an STD.
STD Testing Dubai
My mother gave birth so well, how could she look like my future girlfriend. https://ok9.report/
Once again, thank you for all that you do. Your efforts are deeply appreciated and do not go unnoticed. Let’s continue to uplift and support each other, ensuring that this incredible community continues to flourish. – 24kbet bonus
Corteiz UK is here get latest authentic collection of Corteiz Cargos & Corteiz Tracksuits with fast shipping & huge discount on all corteiz collection. https://officialcrtzuk.com/
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can’t wait to read lots of your posts. ソフト闇金即日融資
Indulge in the tangy and spicy flavors of our homemade karele ka achar . Crafted from fresh bitter gourd and a blend of traditional spices, this pickle offers a unique taste that complements every meal. Perfect for adding a punch to your plate, it’s a must-try for pickle lovers!
“This post is a great resource—I’m bookmarking it for future reference.”
“지식을 공유하기 위해 노력 해주셔서 감사합니다. 여기에서 찾은 주제는 제가 오랫동안 연구해온 주제에 정말 효과적이었습니다. 대물카지노 공식사이트
“Thank you for sharing such valuable information!”
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. mahaspin
Pretty good post. I have just stumbled upon your blog and enjoyed reading your blog posts very much. I am looking for new posts to get more precious info. Big thanks for the useful info. 대물카지노 도메인 주소
“This was a brilliant read! Your LeanBiome passion for the topic really shines through, and it makes your blog a must-read for me.”
“I always learn something KERASSENTIALS new when I visit your blog. Keep up the fantastic work—you’re making a real difference with your writing!”
귀하가 게시 한 정보는 매우 유용합니다. 추천 한 사이트가 좋았습니다. 공유 해주셔서 감사합니다 쇼미더벳 토토 공식사이트
You have observed very interesting points ! ps decent internet site . 쇼미더벳 도메인 주소
This blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post 돌직구벳 도메인 주소
Looking for the best video streaming hosting? At Ucartz, we offer top-tier video streaming hosting solutions designed to deliver seamless and high-quality streaming experiences. Our cutting-edge technology and scalable solutions ensure your content reaches audiences with exceptional performance and reliability. Whether you’re streaming live events, broadcasting video on-demand, or running a video-sharing platform, Ucartz provides the infrastructure and support you need to succeed. Discover the difference with our state-of-the-art hosting services and elevate your video streaming capabilities.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return. https://www.completesports.com/review-web-baccarat-888/
I gotta favorite this website it seems very helpful 룰라벳 도메인 주소
귀하가 게시 한 정보는 매우 유용합니다. 추천 한 사이트가 좋았습니다. 공유 해주셔서 감사합니다 릴게임사이트
Your content is nothing short of brilliant in many ways. I think this is engaging and eye-opening material. Thank you so much for caring about your content and your readers 릴게임꽁머니
You’re awesome! I don’t believe I’ve ever read anything like this. 918kissauto
나는이 웹 사이트에있는 당신의 몇몇 포스트를보고 있었다. 그리고 나는이 웹 사이트가 정말로 유익하다고 생각한다! 계속 .. 홀덤베팅사이트
안녕하세요 처음으로 귀하의 웹 사이트를 방문했습니다. 나는 당신의 게시물에서 좋은 정보를 얻었습니다. 나는 당신의 웹 사이트에서 일의 질을 얻었습니다. 이제 나는 당신의 영구 사용자입니다. 온라인홀덤
Your content is nothing short of brilliant in many ways. I think this is engaging and eye-opening material. Thank you so much for caring about your content and your readers 미슐랭 도메인 주소
to meet the unique demands of our clients. สล็อตออนไลน์
best regards JILI WALLET
Just as hotels cater to guests’ needs, JOKER AUTO WALLET
This popular shooting game can be played online offline. JOKER WALLET
user-friendly websites that are focused on providing helpful content. Live22 auto
I gotta favorite this website it seems very helpful 카지노사이트
we would like to tell the players that it will be MEGA888 AUTO
Imajinasi Anda adalah satu-satunya batasan. PG SLOT AUTO
favorite tunes without those disturbing ads interrupting PG SLOT AUTO WALLET
responsibilities in order to appreciate the significance of pussyslot
I read your post it really admirable เว็บสล็อต 168 ฝาก ถอน true wallet
Seattle Cruise Transportation Service offers reliable and convenient transfers to and from the cruise terminal. Enjoy a seamless travel experience with professional drivers and comfortable vehicles, ensuring you reach your cruise departure or return smoothly. Book with us for stress-free, timely transportation in Seattle.
https://seattleblacktowncar.com/cruise-transportation-services-in-seattle-wa/
you have were given on this area. เว็บสล็อตวอเลท
your leather jacket collection undoubtedly slotxo wallet
stories to create an impression. สล็อต ฝาก-ถอน true wallet ไม่มี บัญชีธนาคาร
The STUDENT HELPLINE UK is available for สล็อตเว็บตรง
responsibilities are handled by only one person. PUSSY888 เว็บตรง
In this article, 918KISS AUTO
There is a dealer who deals the cards. สล็อตjili วอเลท
our travel photography camera tips are top-notch ສລ໊ອດອອນລາຍ
So why not head on over to Romskostenlos Betflix wallet
approach to writing this post. สล็อตฝากถอนวอเล็ท
situs terpercaya dan tergacor di indonesia JOKER SLOT
KENDI555 juga banyak memberikan Bonus kepada New Member dan ANTI RUNGKAT เว็บสล็อต xo ออ โต้