BUT IS IT ART?
From concept to catastrophe in the gallery
“The work shattered into pieces and fell to the floor”
DESTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
An art critic attending Mexico’s premier art fair “accidentally broke” an installation worth $20,000 (£16,000) when she placed a drink can near to the artwork to express her disdain. The piece, by artist Gabriel Rico, featured a sheet of glass with a stone, a football and other random objects suspended inside. “It was like the work heard my comment and felt what I thought of it,” said critic Avelina Lésper. “The work shattered into pieces and collapsed and fell to the floor.” Art museum director Alfonso Miranda described the incident as a “tragedy”, while others have applauded the destruction as a performance piece. Ms Lésper suggested the gallery keep the shattered work on display “to show its evolution.” , 11 Feb 2020
BANANA FOR ART’S SAKE
A work of art on display in a Miami gallery disappeared when it was eaten by another artist. Comedian, by Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan, was composed of a banana taped to the gallery wall, and had previously been sold for $120,000 (£91,300). Gallery owner Emmanuel Perrotin said the banana symbolised global trade, and was an example of Cattelan’s ability to turn ordinary objects into “vehicles of both delight and critique”. Cattelan’s previous work includes an 18-carat lavatory in Blenheim Palace, stolen within hours of its going on display, a sculpture of the Pope struck down by an asteroid (FT131:11), and a stuffed squirrel with a tiny revolver by its side, apparently a suicide.
Entering the gallery, fellow artist David Datuna announced, “Art performance. Hungry artist” to visitors, before eating the banana, as, he insisted, a gesture of respect, rather than one of Dada-esque vandalism. Although not arrested, Datuna was asked to leave. Cattelan has been invited to tape a replacement banana to the gallery wall. D.Telegraph, 7+9 Dec 2019.