Cathy's Art Diary

Strange installation at Somerset House by Hyphen Labs as part of Earth Day 2019. I must admit I didn’t really understand this work but I did find it quite fun. It seemed to be about a time in the future when people have merged with sea creatures due to climate change. Backwards evolution? It consisted of a series of boxes describing these different types of creature surrounded by bean bags. The descriptions were fun such as one of @quas_Celebritas who “when left in vast empty waters with no one to show them adoration they shrink and are overcome by dissatisfaction and apathy until the next audience tunes in.” Closes 5 May 2019

Intriguing installation on the roof of Somerset House by Serena Korda as part of Earth  Day 2019. This is the latest in a series of commissions for new flags to top the dome of Somerset House to highlight climate change issues.   Korda has chosen base her work on the maritime flag warning sign for “I am dragging my anchor”.   The commentary says she sees a flag as something that can make visible the invisible in that its flight shows the direction of the invisible wind and reflects the invisible damage we are doing to the world. This year’s work includes a sound piece in the Seamans’ Hall of recordings made from the roof of the building, an Aeolian harp, designed to be played randomly by the wind, and a human voice. It is meant to represent the voice of the Greek spirit of Khaos. The two pieces together were quite thought provoking. Closes 10 June 2019

Installation in the courtyard of Somerset House by Justin Brice Guariglia to mark Earth Day 2019. It consisted of a series of solar powered LED signs usually used for motorway signage flashing up climate related writings including poetry from affected island, wisdom from global elders and philosophy. You could add your own comments to the work in the Seamans’ Hall. The commentary called these “eco-aphorisms”, a new word to me. The installation was very effective in the space and it did make you stop and read the messages being flashed up. It was a nice touch to use a solar powered medium but one also connected to the idea of traffic and the damage it might do. Closes an 29 April 2019