In the MCA’s photography exhibition WITNESS, the museum draws from its permanent collection to depict the photographer as both artist and spectator- an exploration of the finite encounter behind the photograph rather than the infinite interpretations the photograph evokes. The exhibition attempts to flesh out the moment between subject and artist, navigating the concept of gaze independent from a camera lens. However, as I passed the conveniently timed Kerry James Marshall photograph and noticed the irony of the Cindy Sherman pieces, the idea of WITNESS began to unfold as a vague concept used to dust off an amazing collection. I imagined the curator being dealt a jumble of photographs from a Scrabble pile and told to thematically string them together to win the game.
But then I saw the Triple Word Score in the gallery, the artwork where it all clicked, the piece which had to inform the concept if not the entire idea for the exhibition: Alfredo Jaar’s 2006 installation The Sound of Silence.
Tucked in the back corner of the gallery, through a miniature hallway, lies Jaar’s major installation. The front facing wall of the metal cube fills the entire room with a sterile light. The sight floats lightly in the bare space. Its glow not enchanting but instead mystifying, implying a distance to be kept before approaching the bug zapper-esque object. After stepping closer, the three horizontal sections break into hundreds of fluorescent light tubes creating a grid of blackness and intense brightness.
Since the room is only occupied by the structure and only lit by the front facing wall, once the light threshold is crossed the back half of the gallery becomes plainly dim. Printed on the floor are the directions “When the light is green, you may enter the structure” as well as the running time of the 8-and-a-half-minute video. In the leftover glow of the fluorescent light sits a simple white bench where you are able to wait for the space age LED lights to signal you inside.
While waiting on the bench, facing a giant metal cube you are about to enter, you really can’t help but feel like you are on the last round of Russian nesting dolls. In a building, in a room, in a room, in a box, the unlit side of the installation eerily mirrors the entry of the museum itself- this time without the cardio of the grand staircase. The same cold, square, metallic tiles give a sense of re-entry to the space, a weighty ritual act of recommitting to the exhibition you were in, yet waiting for patiently on a bench.
With all of the rising action built into the experience, I don’t think anything would have shocked me inside. Would a false floor drop me into the film? Would I be escorted through a series of miniature rooms each containing fragments of a story? Would every wall be a screen pelting me with audiovisual marginalia? But alas, entry demystified the installation revealing the interior as the familiar museum film set-up any other room could have provided.
I’ve always thought of the museum film as the ultimate litmus test separating gawking tourist from cultured aficionado. In the ubiquitous black benched room, larger questions of humility and pride are provided the ultimate battle ground. If I sit down at an insignificant time do I stay after everyone leaves? Are any of these strangers as aware as me that this is a big game of chicken after not checking the run-time? Will those people at the entrance of the room ever sit down?
Despite its familiar aesthetic, The Sound of Silence alleviates the anxieties surrounding the museum film through its dramatic build-up and demand for patience. Once the film begins, the audience is taken on a phrase-by-phrase poetic account of Kevin Carter’s life as a South African photojournalist. The phrases are communicated through slides of white typewriter font printed on the black screen. The font read as unfairly dated compared to the futuristic, graphic exterior of the installation, resembling something from a true crime story on television or end a melodramatic after school special. Although the font required some growing pains, the story of Kevin Carter’s tragic life and Pulitzer Prize winning photo unfurls beautifully.
It is this simplistic beauty of the storytelling that draws you into the screen and divorces the four industrial sized flash heads paired on either side from the equation, fading into the blackness. While their presence is rather obvious when you first enter the tiny room, the implied ellipsis after each careful phrase of the narrative and the exclusion of music make it impossible to know when the flash will go off- no grand crescendo to follow or clear climax to a story dripping with reality and teetering with emotions.
And then it goes off.
Right after Carter ends his life due to questions surrounding his morality in combination with the famine stricken and war torn images that haunt him, the giant flash heads activate and provoke a giant gasp and collective shudder.
This is where the genius of the piece takes flight. Bewildered and disoriented by the flash, here is the short moment where Carter’s award-winning, life-changing, story crux photograph becomes available. As your eyes refocus, you have the opportunity to enter the photograph meaningfully in the same way you had to choose to enter the microcosmic space of the installation. In the shock of the flash, you have access to the moment as if it were happening in real time. No lingering, no loitering, only the ephemeral glance.
As I re-entered the rest of the WITNESS exhibition, the once floating installation felt heavy behind me. In my exit, a part of me wanted that flash to connect to something. The feeling after a roller coaster ride where you search for your screaming photo at the gift shop. The flash as a tool to take, rudely snatching a moment and commodifying it, taking a moment without intervening, taking a moment and making it yours rather than the subject’s, the flash as a distraction from the human behind the camera.
Jaar’s piece added an essential depth to WITNESS, a newfound tone of reflection before facing the photographs again on the way out to the lobby. His imaginative interpretation of photography in a museum context was resonating, adding tight punctuation to the loose theme of the exhibition.
The installation proved as an utterly transformative space. A catalyst revealing the nuance of what is significant and insignificant about photography and a more refined approach to exploring the power of the photographical moment. Each photograph catalogued as a serial number in a tireless collection could carry the same richness or tragedy- but how could I know? Am I supposed to know? …Do I want to know?
Oh, and as for the photograph- I think you should see it yourself.
685 Comments
Hello ! I am the one who writes posts on these topics slotsite I don’t know how grateful you are for posting on this topic. Thank you for the numerous articles on this site, I will subscribe to those links in my bookmarks and visit them often. Have a nice day
Welcome to Anjana’s Shamballa. A space dedicated to positivity, joy & happiness. Here You can immerse yourself in a world of healings and blessings and Angel guidance. In my belief, happiness and joy are not just emotions life coach. They are essential to our daily lives, and our well-being and essential to uplift our souls. I am here to help you discover the abundance that lies within You. Abundance of happiness, love, joy, compassion, gratitude and so much more.
Welcome to Anjana’s Shamballa. A space dedicated to positivity, joy & happiness. Here You can immerse yourself in a world of healings and blessings and Angel guidance. In my belief, happiness and joy are not just emotions. They are essential to our daily lives, and our well-being and essential to uplift our souls. I am here to help you discover the abundance that lies within You. Abundance of happiness, love, joy, compassion, gratitude and so much more.Holistic life coach in India
I’m very satisfied with the performance of the Stainless Steel Micro S Type Load Cell Sensor I purchased from exporthub.com. It has proven to be a reliable and accurate solution for our weight measurement needs. The stainless steel body ensures longevity and stability in various environments
Your blog is a reminder that even in the face of cancer plate metal shelf there’s room for triumph.”
Leveraging edge computing and CDNs could significantly reduce latency in file transfers. Distributing content closer to end-users ensures faster delivery and enhances the overall user experience. online data transfer
Uno is a classic card game that has entertained millions worldwide for decades. With the advent of digital platforms, uno online has successfully made its way into the online gaming world, offering a convenient and enjoyable experience for players of all ages. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of Uno Online and provide some valuable tips to help you become a Uno champion.
That is very helpful for increasing my knowledge in this field. Top Upbeat Feel Good Songs to Dance To
Effortlessly download Instagram stories with our intuitive tool. Save and revisit fleeting moments anytime. Copy, paste, and relive the magic of stories offline. Elevate your storytelling experience today!
instagram story download
Nowadays, in the competitive business world, every brand and company strives to stand out from the crowd. Subway is no exception. Subway conducts a customer satisfaction survey to stay connected with its valuable customers.
Subway Survey
Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and new initiatives in the same niche. Blog gave us useful information to work. You have done an amazing job! steps to start CFO consulting
I have bookmarked your website because this site contains valuable information in it. I am really happy with articles quality and presentation. Thanks a lot for keeping great stuff. I am very much thankful for this site. Chief Financial Officer Leadership Program
JAYASPIN merupakan agen pertama judi online yang menerapakan jadwal Slot Gacor Hari ini yang ada di indonesia, jadi kami menyediakan Rtp Slot Gacor untuk para member memilih rating game paling tinggi yang ingin di mainkan setiap member.
Kudabet merupakan situs yang menyediakan rtp slot terpercaya kudabet dengan nilai kemenangan paling tinggi untuk provider Pragmatic Play,PGsoft,Habanbero,dan microgaming.
Gaspoll88 merupakan daftar situs judi Slot online gacor dengan deposit pulsa tanpa potongan dan togel terpercaya serta live rtp slot 24jam paling lengkap.
wow, great, I was wondering how to cure acne naturally. and found your site by google, learned a lot, now i’m a bit clear. I’ve bookmark your site and also add rss. keep us updated. ความปลอดภัยในการทํางาน ออฟฟิศ
Through the well-known Big Lots Survey, customers may express their opinions—both good and negative—about the caliber of services they received from Big Lots.To see out how satisfied customers are regarding the in-store service they got, ig Lots is running an online survey.
http://www.biglots.com/survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, keep updating valuable content. The Regal Beagle Dallas, Ga
I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. #lomasvendidodelmercado
We have sell some products of different custom boxes.it is very useful and very low price please visits this site thanks and please share this post with your friends. ดูหนัง
If your looking for Online Illinois license plate sticker renewals then you have need to come to the right place.We offer the fastest Illinois license plate sticker renewals in the state. Blow Molding Machine Manufacturer
I finally found great post here.I will get back here. I just added your blog to my bookmark sites. thanks.Quality posts is the crucial to invite the visitors to visit the web page, that’s what this web page is providing. خرید گوسفند زنده
Walgreenslistens survey, often known as the Walgreens survey or the Walgreenslistens customer satisfaction survey, is an online portal produced by Walgreenslistens. This is an online survey platform where users can contribute their useful thoughts about Walgreens and win thrilling prizes worth $3000. Walgreenslistens
ssstwitter video downloader:
Conquering the Tweetverse: Your Guide to Downloading Twitter Videos with ssstwitter.cam
Conquering the Tweetverse: Your Guide to Downloading Twitter Videos with ssstwitter.cam In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of social media, Twitter reigns supreme as a microblogging haven. We scurry through the never-ending feed, bombarded by witty remarks, breaking news, and of course, captivating videos.
what happens when a hilarious skit or a mesmerizing animal encounter sparks a burning desire to save it for offline viewing? That’s where Twitter video downloaders like ssstwitter.cam step in, becoming your knight in shining armor against fleeting trends and disappearing tweets.
https://ssstwitter.cam/
For Walgreens to better understand the requirements and expectations of its consumers and make the necessary service enhancements, the survey is a crucial tool. There are several questions on the Walgreens feedback form that cover a wide range of topics related to the purchasing experience. WalgreensListens
The public corporation is traded in the NY Stock Exchange as BIG. Because there are so many discounts offered, customers adore shopping at Big Lots. They can get excellent products in every category at affordable costs.
http://www.biglots.com/survey
I remember seeing the photo of the Caribbean section back in 2021. It’s great to see it again, along with Awilda Lopez being there.
Pear Deck is perfect for both in-person and remote learning since it ensures student confidentiality. Instructors can personalize their presentations by adding audio. Making or editing presentations inside of a Google account is easy with this Google-integrated application. Joinpd.com
Movies and both classic and contemporary TV shows are available on Epix Now, a unique streaming platform. Before choosing to sign up, you may try the service out for free for seven days. The Crown, the HBO series Get Out, or Westworld are among the Original Series accessible via Epix Now. Epix.com/devices
Through this post, I know that your good knowledge in playing with all the pieces was very helpful. I notify that this is the first place where I find issues I’ve been searching for. You have a clever yet attractive way of writing. amsterdam photobooth
Lowes.com/Survey/500$ Survey One of the customer satisfaction polls that the well-known American retailer Lowe’s conducts is called the Lowe’s Survey.
PG SLOT stands as the epitome of online slot platforms, presenting top-tier video game creations accessible worldwide. With support for over 10 languages, it ensures a global reach. Immerse yourself in the pinnacle of online slot entertainment at PG SLOT, where advanced technology meets unmatched gaming thrills. slot
I’m excited to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new information in your site. usalivemagazine
As a participant in this discussion, I am fascinated by the deep analysis of the presented installation and its influence on the understanding of the art of photography. It seems that every moment of the exhibition has its weight and meaning, similar to the details in stout beer images , where each element creates a unique feeling and experience.
تصليح تلفونات
تصليح وصيانة جوالات وتلفونات ذكية حديثة وحتى القديمة في المنزل بأسعار مميزة, وخدماتنا تصل لكل المحافظات بالكويت
تصليح تلفونات بالمنزل
Maxim Time Clock At the time, we didn’t fully understand the meaning of time or the concept of a clock; instead, we were just familiar with the long hand and shorthand that were demonstrated.
Thanks for sharing such a great article. I love reading this article which is useful for me. I guess your article is one of them. Thank you
Fool Me Once S01 Maya Stern Blazer
I am overwhelmed by your post with such a nice topic. Usually I visit your blogs and get updated through the information you include but today’s blog would be the most appreciable. Well done! kokoa tv
“Reserve your spot in Thailand’s Trenailspa.com for an invigorating retreat slot thailand. Luxuriate in top-notch services and unwind in a serene ambiance. Schedule your appointment today for a revitalizing experience!”
Overextending Nexus Slot often leads to unnecessary deaths and lost objectives.
Instead Slot Deposit 5000, it will be a gradual process filled with ups and downs.
Master a few Tokyo77 heroes: Focus on understanding specific heroes instead of trying to play them all.
Many players have heard rtp live the term “beginner’s luck” before, but what does it really mean when it comes to DOTA 2 ranked games?
Communicate with Your IDN SLOT Team: Effective communication is crucial in DOTA 2 ranked games.
Lack of Adaptability: Being adaptable is crucial in Roulette Online ranked games where strategies can change rapidly based on different factors such as enemy picks or early game outcomes.
Remember to avoid common mistakes such as impatience or overconfidence at IBCBET.
Timing your Blink correctly and knowing bolatangkas when to engage or disengage are vital aspects that separate a good player from a great one.
While adapting SBOBET your playstyle according to the evolving meta may be challenging at times, witnessing AntiMage’s brilliance can truly be a sight beholden in ranked matches.
Map Awareness Keluaran HK is Key: Stay constantly aware of the enemy team’s movements by keeping an eye on the minimap.
One aspect Baccarat Online that sets pro players apart is their understanding of AntiMage’s strengths and weaknesses.
While Battle Fury is a Roulette online core item on AntiMage due to its farming capabilities, it’s important not to rush it blindly without considering the enemy lineup or your team’s needs.
Their exceptional mechanics Tokyo77 combined with their decision-making skills make them formidable opponents when wielding this hero.