Exhibition Essay at the AGO
...ch of its sides. The placement of the varying faces creates movement as it encourages viewers to make the most of the three dimensional space by encircling the entire piece. Movement is also created with the placement of two seals around an opening on the top of the sculpture as this forces the viewer’s eye to travel up and around the piece. Unity is achieved through the consistent flat brown colour and organic forms of the entire sculpture. Each face is individually unified because its characteristics follow the same curvaceous style of line. The facial features reflect the artist’s rudimentary technique and simplistic style. The faces are stylistically grotesque and can be interpreted as a variety of emotions ranging from sad, evil, strong, and suffering. Texture is created in the eyebrows by the crude use of seemingly primitive tools. This contrasts greatly with the smooth surfaces of the faces. The stylistic simplicity and the contextual complexity make this an interesting cultural piece of art. Upon initial impression, Micah Lexier’s “A Work of Art in the Form of a Quantity of Coins Equal to the Number of Months of the Statistical Life Expectancy of a Child Born January 6, 1995” creates a dispassionate appearance eliciting a cold, clinical ambiance. The frigid static grey of the metal boxes echoes the formality of the gallery space in which it is found. Contrast is a key component in this piece. Foremost it is created through the use of line, material, and organization of coins. Just as the metal exterior of the boxes creates a chilly unresponsive feeling, the wooden linings of the boxes are warmer and inviting in appearance. Secondly the curves of the coins are in opposition to the linear edges of the box. The left box displays the coins in stiff vertical columns, whereas the box to the right encases sporadically placed coins. Although contrast is strongly present, unity is also created as all surfaces in the piece are very smooth and polished. Movement is slightly stifled due to the glass encasing of the artwork, the close placement of the boxes and symmetry of the piece. Although the appearance of this specific work by Micah Lexier may come across as boring, exploring its subjective intent creates interest. As the viewer allows them self to become more involved in the piece, it is clear that it is more than just a representation of a life expectancy, but a capture of the essence of a human life. The first element brought to attention is the physical appearance of the metal containers. The material of the containers being cold and metallic offset the soft, warm wood inside, which consequently parallels the emotional makeup of human beings. Although the boxes are open to the viewer, a lock combination of “000” is in clear view of the facade. It is interesting that the combination allowing the viewer to see the inside of the box is “000” as in life, people will only let others in when they are equals and no conflict exists; in other words, there are no “points” on either side. The next component of the piece is the transf...