I suppose, the first time you look at the title of this post, dread may set in. No, Leopard Print Bee is a one-off; I am not some crazy person, titling everything with bohemian names and symbolism. There really is a sunflower seed carpet!
This is a link to it on the BBC’s website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11515658
When I originally saw this I was not really overly impressed. Covering a floor in seeds? He’s asking for a mice infestation. But, they are not really seeds at all. They are handcrafted porcelain imitation seeds. That symbolise happiness and friendship in the Chinese culture. Genius! I think it’s wonderful. Not the kind of art I’d have at home, but wonderful never the less.
Over 100 million of them. It puts my crafting skills to shame! (Though he’s actually only made 3 himself).
What do you think of it? A complete waste of time or a masterpiece?
To be honest I think it's a bit of a pointless exercise really, each individual handcrafted seed is probably a work of art, but en masse like that I just can't see the appeal. Maybe it's just me though!!
ReplyDeleteI'd be tempted to have a bowl full and run my fingers through them, it'd be dead soothing :-)
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the one that couldn't be walked on because of health and safety? I love the idea but not the practicality of it. Great blog! x
ReplyDeleteNope you can walk on them, touch them, look at them, just not take them home :]
ReplyDeleteMy first thought as well, deborah, was I'd love to touch them!
No I can imagine lots of people not seeing the appeal. If you get hundreds of paintings and line the floor with them, does it cease to become art? But I think in this case it does not :] x
Too far for me to travel to see for myself - and I've heard conflicting reports. A large bowl full - I would marvel at - I agree with Deborah there. I'm not sure I feel the same about the enormous scale of this - perhaps that's the point. I'm not very good at this sort of art appreciation.
ReplyDeleteGreat first post - following you!
Sue
Thank you! :]
ReplyDeleteA bit too far for me to go too. Which is shame, but all part of life's rich tapestry.
I think the seedman has far too much time on his hands ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm stalking you in a nice way Betsy J
Nice blog, have become a follower. Linda
ReplyDeleteI agree with deborah, I'd love to have a bowl full and just sit and run my fingers through...... would keep me calm on a busy Monday at work!!!! Claire x
ReplyDeleteI'd find it quite theraputic, running them through my hands. I can see the point in the 'art' side of it, but not him claiming it as his own if he only made 3. Now had he made all 250,000! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think its beautiful but do struggle to see the point of it - but would love to walk on them in bare feet and feel them running beneath my toes - however the dear old "Elf and Safety" brigade have closed it to walkers http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Tate-Modern-Shuts-Sunflower-Seeds-Carpet-Installation-Over-Health-And-Safety-Fears/Article/201010315758938?lpos=UK_News_Top_Stories_Header_4&lid=ARTICLE_15758938_Tate_Modern_Shuts_Sunflower_Seeds_Carpet_Installation_Over_Health_And_Safety_Fears!
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