“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.
19,110 Comments
Our Nashville strip club for hire brings the action to you! Nashville’s leading female strippers can entertain at private parties, corporate events, and more
stripper nashville
HappyToon 해피툰 : the fastest place to check free webtoon addresses. 해피툰
HappyToon 해피툰 주소안내 : the fastest place to check free webtoon addresses. 해피툰 주소안내
HappyToon 해피툰 주소안내 : the fastest place to check free webtoon addresses. 해피툰 주소안내
HappyToon 해피툰 : Introduction to the most popular free webtoons 해피툰
HappyToon 해피툰 주소안내 : Introduction to the most popular free webtoons 해피툰 주소안내
Never say die up man try. trang cá độ bóng đá
This is really amazing article. Thanks a lot for sharing wonderful information. เว็บสล็อต ค่าย cq9
Joker Gaming
Joker Game
Joker สล็อต
สล็อตโจ๊กเกอร์
Discuss the impact Joker Slot
Joker Gaming terrain to foster
Keep up this outstanding standard you’re making a significant and meaningful difference. – 24kbet
Elevate your online Joker Slot
this website have so many things can get money so fast. all of you can follow it right now. แทงบอล
High Quality HDMI Cables ensure superior audio and video performance with minimal interference. They support 4K resolution, high dynamic range (HDR), and fast refresh rates, enhancing your multimedia experience for clearer, more vibrant visuals.
the quality and purity of Goseva’s Gir cow ghee is particularly impressive. แทงบอล
Women in Barnet are a diverse and vibrant community, actively contributing to local culture, business, and community life. They play pivotal roles in various fields, from education and healthcare to arts and entrepreneurship, shaping the borough’s dynamic character. https://escort-club.com/locations/barnet/
토토사이트 꽁머니는 사용자가 무료로 제공받는 추가 자금으로, 베팅에 유리한 조건을 만들어줍니다. 이 자금은 카지노나 스포츠 베팅에 활용할 수 있습니다.
Your work is truly article , consistently delivering content that not only informs but deeply resonates with the audience. Every piece showcases your dedication to excellence, leaving a lasting impact. Your creativity, passion, and meticulous attention to detail are remarkable. Continue to raise the standard—you’re making an inspiring and significant difference!
A sight to behold, a source of endless inspiration. แทงบอล
I got too much interesting stuff on your blog. I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work 오피뷰
In today’s competitive landscape, having an effective online strategy is essential for business success. Our digital marketing service ensures your brand stands out through targeted campaigns, SEO, social media management, and more. From boosting traffic to increasing conversions, we tailor our approach to your specific needs, delivering measurable results that drive growth. Whether you are looking to expand your reach or improve your online reputation, we have the tools and expertise to help. Matebiz Pvt. Ltd. is here to provide you with the best solutions to achieve your digital marketing goals.
I haven’t any word to appreciate this post…..Really i am impressed from this post….the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. 구글아이디판매
Keep up the great work—can’t wait to see what’s article !
Keep up this outstanding standard you’re making a significant and meaningful difference. – 24kbet
Nice blog.
If you want to know about assuming that you’re having to deal with leesburg personal injury attorney employing an accomplished personal injury lawyer is significant kindly contact us
how much are reckless driving tickets in virginia
All that glitters is not gold. may88
Workday Training & Certification Course ✔️Learn Workday HCM Training ✔️Certified Instructors ✔️Real-Time Projects ✔️Placement Assistance ✔️ Enquire Now!
I always look forward to your next Amazing Post and veru egger to read it article !
Owning a KFC franchise opens the door to a globally recognized fast-food brand, offering an established business model and instant brand recognition. With a proven track record in the fast-food industry, a KFC franchise ensures strong customer demand and support. By joining this network, franchisees benefit from comprehensive training and ongoing assistance, making it a profitable and secure investment. At KFC Franchise Store, we are here to help you take the first step toward becoming a successful KFC franchise owner.
Navigating the complexities of property transactions requires experienced legal guidance. With expert conveyancing lawyers in Melbourne, you can be assured that all legal aspects of buying or selling property are handled smoothly and efficiently. From contract reviews to settlement preparation, our team ensures that every detail is covered, safeguarding your interests throughout the process. Easy Home Conveyancing is here to provide reliable and professional support for your property dealings.
Decent data, profitable and phenomenal outline, as offer well done with smart thoughts and ideas, bunches of extraordinary data and motivation, both of which I require, on account of offer such an accommodating data her 호스트바
Thanks for the update and quick reply. I’ll be sure to keep an eye on this thread. URL
Navigating the path to studying abroad can be challenging, but with the right support, your dream can become a reality. As trusted global education consultants, we provide comprehensive advice, helping students choose the best courses and universities worldwide. Our experienced team ensures a smooth process, from application to visa guidance, ensuring you focus on your goals. At Royal Edu Tech, we are dedicated to making global education accessible and achievable for aspiring students.
Hind IPTV offers a fantastic range of Hindi IPTV Channels designed to keep you entertained with the best Bollywood movies, TV serials, and reality shows. Whether you enjoy drama, comedy, or action-packed films, our service ensures high-quality streaming across various Hindi-language channels. With easy access to popular programs, you can stay connected to your favorite content anytime, anywhere. For an unparalleled viewing experience, trust Hind IPTV to deliver the best in-home entertainment.
I’d have to consult with you here. Which isn’t something I usually do! I like reading an article that can make people feel. Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment! Antminer t9+
Jimmy Failla is a well-known American comedian, author, and radio show host. His unique brand of humor, often drawn from personal experiences, has made him a popular figure in the comedy world.jimmy failla net worth
This is a brilliant blog! I’m very happy with the comments!.. how to ace a job interview
The Essentials Hoodie is a versatile and stylish wardrobe staple, known for its minimalistic design and premium quality. Crafted from soft, durable materials, it offers exceptional comfort and warmth. Its oversized fit and simple branding make it a go-to for casual streetwear looks. Ideal for layering, the Essentials Hoodie combines fashion with everyday functionality.Fear of God Essentials Hoodie
Spider Control Keep your home and lawn protected with high-quality services from Bull Run Turf Care. Enjoy quality living with Turf Care & Pest Control from professionals.
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business 호빠
I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site.You have a good point! I completely agree with what you said!!
Thanks for sharing your views…hopefully more people will check out
Visit us:
Villas for sale in Dubai
Customer Support: 24/7 customer support is available to assist users with any queries. m88
Spotify Mod Apk is a popular music streaming service that offers access to millions of songs, podcasts, and other audio content from artists and creators around the world.
Mobile Compatibility: VN88 is optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to play and bet on the go. vn88
ZEPETO Mod Apk is a social networking app that allows users to create their own 3D avatars, interact with friends, and participate in virtual events.
Pokémon GO Mod Apk is an augmented reality mobile game. Players can walk around real-world locations to find and catch a variety of Pokémon using Poké Balls.