Theme: Harsh Realities of Life

Two shakes, a tick and a jiffy,  Julieta Aranda, 2009

This is on display at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and I chose this piece of art because it represents the most difficult aspect to understand in life, time and its value. No one on this planet will live forever and how we chose to spend our time is what makes the journey of life unique and great but deciding what to do with our time is one of the most difficult tasks in life.

Das Beste oder Nichts, Danh Vo, 2010

This is on display at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and this artwork represents the concept of rapid innovation and having to conform. As technology progresses and societies modernize, people must conform in order to survive. This is a engine of some machine that is no longer in use and this is because it is outdated and no longer has a use since more efficient engines are being produced as well as the shift over to electric powered vehicles.

What Do We Want, Trương Tân, 1993

This is an oil on canvas painting with rope around it. and it is on display at the Guggenheim Museum in NYC, where it displays the concept that everyone has their own internal issues that they face daily. Every person is unique and has their own problems which prevents them from doing certain things in life. Life is a difficult journey, and everyone has a different path with different obstacles but undoubtedly these issues have a large presence in everyone’s lives.

 Trembling Landscaes, Ali Cherri, 2015

This ink painting is on display at the Guggenheim Museum and I think it represents the rat race that many people in society become involved in. This picture shows a large city with numerous houses and I view this as everyone being similar since, they are grouped together. The harsh reality is that a large portion of people in society work a 9-5 and earn minimum wage  while the 1% of society rules over and makes the decisions for people who allowed them to become successful and prosper.

 Bullet-Resistant Mask, Stephen Armellino, 1983

 

This mask is manufactured by the U.S Armor Corporation and it is on display in The Museum of Modern Art where it represents the concept that not everyone is genuine in life. It is common in this generation for people to put on an act around others and be influenced to change their personality and the way they present themselves. Certain individuals will do what is most beneficial for them and only establish relationships temporarily to achieve their goal and then move on, a sad truth in the world.

 Martin, Into the Corner, You Should Be Ashamed of Yourself, Martin Kippenberger, 1992

This is on display in The Museum of Modern Art and it depicts the harsh reality that everyone is judged and at times punished for their actions. People are judged in relation to societal standards and if one’s actions are not publicly accepted, they can be judged and this occurs on a daily basis for most of a person’s life.

Solo Scenes, Dieter Roth, 1997

This is on display at The Museum of Modern Art and it depicts the harsh reality that technology is becoming a larger part of everyone’s lives. A large majority of people are absorbed in the technology that is available to them and it is now becoming addictive to some. Technology is undoubtedly increasing in presence and for some it is creating a false reality that will make life difficult.

Does Andy Warhol Make Your Cry, Louise Lawler, 1988

This is on display at The Museum of Modern Art and this depicts the brutal reality that beauty standards are unrealistic and that certain women are held above others due to their appearance. This shows that some women are pre-judged based on their appearance and since they do not match the standards set, they are viewed differently. I do not support this as unrealistic beauty standards are set and people alter their appearance to be accepted.

In Transit, Lida Abdul, 2008

This is on display at the Guggenheim Museum and this image represents the concept that life is unpredictable, and disaster can strike at any moment. This is the harsh truth because random events in life can drastically alter a person’s socioeconomic status in life. People must play the cards they are given and work with what they have but at any moment everything can change. This shows that life must not be taken for granted and people should value what they have.

Four Thousand Blocks, Ellie Ga, 2013

This piece is on display at the Guggenheim Museum and it conveys that in today’s society everything and everyone is monitored to an extent. There is a lot of public information online that can be found about a person and privacy is gone. The harsh reality is that the digital footprint people leave behind can negatively impact them and their abilities to achieve certain things in life. We must be more aware now than ever with what is posted and what can be traced back to us sine once something is uploaded it cannot be undone.