Inquiry-Based Exhibition Tour
Tomás Saraceno is an artist, innovator, and activist, he conveys stories of earth’s existence and our relationship with it through large-scale artworks. He crosses the boundaries of art, crossing into environmental science and even invention. In this tour, you will encounter a lot of multi-layered stories. Oftentimes light, air, and matter are intertwining with one another to tell a specific story. We will work to interpret Saraceno’s artwork together, and come up with new ideas and concepts that stem from his artworks. The theme to keep in mind while we move through the galleries and really experience his work is “What is my role in this living world” and “What conversation is Saraceno trying to spark between non-human and human lifeforms?” Though these might seem meta and complex, try to imagine how the artwork is speaking to you as a person and as a knower. In what ways does Saraceno’s art bring out certain emotions or thoughts?
—High Line Teens
Themes: Environmental Justice, Light, Architecture, Sound, Air Quality, Astronomy, Entomology, Climate Change, Activism
Question:
At what point does art not become art anymore, when does it become math or science or social justice work?
Webs of At-tent(s)ion, 2020
Themes: Architecture, Environment, Design, Light, Entomology
Questions:
The lighting in this room allows us to pay close attention to the patterns of the spider webs. Looking closely, what do you notice?
The title of this artwork is Webs of At-tent(s)ion. What do you think “tent” could mean in this art piece?
Particular Matter(s), 2020
Themes: Light, Sound, Air Quality, Environmental Justice, Activism
Questions:
What are some ways environmental problems are impacting marginalized communities?
What are some ways we can use art to communicate our concerns about environmental justice and other social issues?
We Do Not All Breathe the Same Air, 2019 – 22
Themes: Air Quality, Environmental Justice, Climate Change, Activism
Questions:
What is the air quality in your area like? When you go to different areas, do you feel a change in the air?
How can we work together to ensure that we are taking positive steps towards breathing the same air?
What can we do as a community to mitigate the effects of global warming?
How to entangle the universe in a spider/web?, 2020
Themes: Technology, Astronomy, Light, Entomology
Questions:
Compare this artwork with the piece Webs of At-tent(s)ion. Does color play a role in how you respond to the two pieces?
The title of this piece is How to entangle the universe in a spider/web?. What do you think is the connection between the vast universe and a small spiderweb?
How can data collection become art, where does the transition begin and end?
A Thermodynamic Imaginary, 2020
Themes: Technology, Climate Change, Light, Activism
Questions:
At what point does art not become art anymore, when does it become math or science or social justice work?
What is our relationship with the atmosphere?
How do the metal spherical shapes give way to climate crisis imagery?
The staggering positions of these balloon contraptions help us to visualize and depict the structure of the air. What are some differences with each balloon?
Credits
This tour was created by participants in the High Line Teens program.
Particular Matter(s) youth programs are organized by Tamara McCaw, Chief Civic Program Officer, and Solana Chehtman, Director of Creative Practice and Social Impact, with Justin Wong, Civic Programs Coordinator. The Shed’s multidisciplinary commissioning program is developed by Alex Poots, Artistic Director and CEO, with the senior program team, including Emma Enderby, Curator-At-Large; Tamara McCaw, Chief Civic Program Officer; Madani Younis, Chief Executive Producer; and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Senior Program Advisor.
Particular Matter(s) youth programs are organized in partnership with the High Line Teen Program.