Carsten Holler : Decisions

Dear Charlie,

Have you ever heard of Carsten Holler?

He is a Belgium modern artist. He first trained as a scientist before becoming an artist (you can always change your mind, see!). Holler is specialized in creating experiental installations and participative artwork. His last exhibition is called "Decision" and takes place at the Hayward Gallery in London. As I travelled to London this summer (I miss you Summer), I had the chance to visit (I would even say participate to) the exhibition and it was AMAZING!

As you might have guessed, "Decision" is about choices : the visitor has to make choices all through the exhibition, and these choices lead him/her to different installations. The first choice was the entrance door : would you go in A or B ? I chose A and found myself in a dark tunnel that was like a maze. The tunnel was really long (about 5 minutes) and trust me that at the end of it you begin to feel anxious! Then there were different art sculptures like this one :

 What I really liked about this exhibition is that visitors get really involved and discover new things and moreover have fun. Some may say that this is not art but what is art really? Holler has the ability to let the visitor experience new things : I also wore glasses that turned the world upside-down and as the experience took place on a balcony it was even more disturbing! I had to concentrate to walk (almost) properly...or close my eyes but it's a bit like cheating then...There were also all sorts of games that sollicited all your senses and feelings...no you don't dreaming it's me flying! OK, I'm attached. OK, I am circling around a stake. OK, I am wearing a ridiculous blue "armor" but still! Where can you experience flying around a pole? Nowhere really...

To conclude, I would say that Carsten Holler is a great artist who geniously combine art and science and allows the visitors to discover new experiences and have fun but also thinking of how you react and live in this world. If you ever get the chance to visit any of his exhibition, go for it! You will not regret it ! ;-)

  This is how you quit the exhibition...and it's AWESOME!

Bye Charlie! ^^

Tara