On my way back from the dentist, located on Vancouver’s north shore, I came across this sculpture. And just when I thought I had exhausted all textual art in this city…
This stainless steel sculpture, titled: OVERFLOW IV is by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa and dated 2007.
I am showing three different angles and really enjoyed the see-through quality of the work – it was solidly present and yet it also tended to disappear or integrate with the sky, buildings, trees and traffic around it. I couldn’t detect any hidden messages in the letters, they are just letters although they also form the outer surface of a seated human figure.
I wondered how much of our perceived reality of ourselves and of the world consists of words (which consist of letters). Mostly we label things with words and symbols and move on. It is maybe only the artist and the poet who see beyond labels.
To see is to forget the name of the thing one sees. – Paul Valery
To define a thing is to substitute the definition for the thing itself. – Georges Braque
Zen is the madman yelling, “If you wanta tell me that the stars are not words, then stop calling them stars!” – Jack Kerouac
‘The 100′ series was initiated by my 100th Post in April 2012. As text and images are the essence of my blog I will post 100 pieces of textual art from historical and contemporary artists and from my own hand. To view the series to date click on ‘The 100’ in my Category Menu.
Hi John, this is an intruiging sculpture, the transparant human figure assimilating with the surroundings. Those letters maybe are like apples growing on trees. We humans have letters? 🙂
I knew you would have something poetic to say Ina – lovely words…
an exceptional statue.
Hi Francina, thanks for visiting and for your comment…
Hello John, Jaume Plensa had an exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, his works are fascinating and only an hour or so drive from where I work, check out of his installation video http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/jaume-plensa-2011
Hello Gregory – thanks for the information and the link. I just checked it out – brilliant – I may do another post on Plensa – cheers, John
I love the first photo – it exhibits exactly what your chosen quotes are implying. I think you nailed the meaning of this artist`s work.
I’m happy you think so Lesley, thank you for commenting…
I really like this sculpture and the way you have captured it at different angles. Good quotes too.
Thanks CC. your comments are always appreciated…
A great addition to the series. I’ve always liked this artists work with text. Your quotes included are “spot on”. Didn’t remember the Kerouac quote and so that was a refreshing surprise. Have to add it to my list of favorite quotes. Great post today John. It seems the the nature of language is always the struggle to arrange it in a meaningful way.
Thank you Terry and your thoughts are perfect…
awesome
Glad you enjoyed the post Isabella…
I believe that very often we do see the things we want to see and each of us – in our own way. Especially when it gets to art – how many and absolutely different are the interpretations of something one person has created. And this one is definitely a thought – provoking!
Your thoughts are right on Esenga. We necessarily live in world of words, definitions and labels and although we need them they do restrict our seeing and thinking. In passing we look at a tree – we see the label and a convenient tree symbol but not the texture, multi colours, shapes and forms that make up that particular tree. It takes time that most don’t have to stop and really see. We tend to do the same for people – labeling and stereotyping them until we take the time to know them beyond words. At the same time, and as a poet you know, that we can also use words to dissolve the labels and get to the essence…
Yes, John, stereotyping and labeling has become a very usual thing, and there can always be found different excuses – lack of time, lack of interest etc. Yet I would say it’s the simplest way that takes the least effort. Like putting all the art in one pile, music – in another, literature – in the third one. Losing the…surprise, joy, even wonder of looking beyond the surface and discovering.
so say we all…
Fantastic! I love the continuous overflow yet the void is unaffected. Where is this piece John, I would love to see it?
I totally agree with your comment on the letters/words as I unconsciously looked right past them.
What a great city we live in!
It’s on the north shore, in the new waterfront park in the 1300 block, Marine Drive, Ambleside Village – just up from the Ferry Building Gallery. Thanks for your perceptive comment Jackie. Did I know we were both Vancouverites? If so I had forgotten – which neighborhood is yours?
Hi John, I can see why you took so many photographs of this as the sculpture is so interesting from different angles. I love this.
Happy you enjoyed this work Cheryl – thank you for your response…
I usually despise “art in the city park stuff” but this one gets an A+ from me !
Glad I could provide an exception to your public art experiences Carl…
i really enjoyed the pics. very unique !
Thanks Isabella…
I love sculpture.. it’s my favourite art medium ( after photography) but I always have to /want to touch it..
Touch away Helen but in cyberspace it’s not quite the same…
I have a very good imagination 😉
May it serve you well…