Lisa Neighbour | commentary

Big Bang

The work I made for Persona Volare 2000 harnessed rage and violent destructiveness, forces which drive my creativity and provide a significant source of inspiration for new projects. I built the Periodic Table of Elements out of shelving, and set a coffee mug representing each element on the shelves. Visitors to the show were encouraged to smash the cups with stones and win prizes. The explosive force which formed all the elements in the universe was reflected in the destructiveness of the participants, who reduced the mugs to tiny shards, and even broke large holes into the drywall behind the shelves. I was worried that someone would get hurt, but I resisted the urge to provide visitors with safety equipment or instructions. It seemed important that the work was potentially dangerous. The smashing sounds, shrieks of laughter and enthusiastic cheers confirmed that danger added to the intensity of the experience.

Lisa Neighbour

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