A key figure in New York’s thriving contemporary art scene, Puerto Rican-born Enoc Perez is best known for his paintings of iconic American and utopian architecture. What strikes in his works is the absence of people.
For this exhibition at the Guild Hall in East Hampton, Perez has created a new body of work centred on natural disasters — notably the devastating impact of the 2017 Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico. Instead of focusing on the physical destruction of the hurricane, however, Perez has painted a symbol of hope: bent rather than broken palm trees which allude to the possibility of recovery. Alongside these large-scale paintings will be sculpture, drawings and other works yet to be exhibited elsewhere.
‘One of the beauties of being an artist is that you have a voice,’ says Perez in a short video on the museum’s website. ‘[This exhibition] is a great chance to bring awareness to this natural disaster.’
It’s hard to think of a living artist more dedicated to engaging the senses than the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. His large-scale installation art, ranging from artificial waterfalls, scent tunnels, yellow mist and rivers dyed fluorescent green, invites us to smell, touch, hear and feel. It also challenges notions of art and nature and our perception of our lived environment.
Life, a new immersive artwork and solo show at the Fondation Beyeler in Basel, is no different. The artificially green pond, which spans the museum’s galleries and garden, activates all the senses. As you meander through the installation day or night (yes, Life has extended opening hours), you’ll encounter wildlife, flora and fauna, possible weather changes, museum visitors and the ambient sounds of insects, traffic and other people. Which, of course, makes you stop and take note of your environment.
‘Life asks what it means to be human,’ explains Eliasson in a short online video, ‘while recognising other agencies that surround us.’
This is immersive art at its best but if you’re not able to travel, browse the very comprehensive multi-media presentation dedicated to the work online. Enjoy podcasts, videos, detailed info panels and more.
