Robert Barry
Base Progetti per l’Arte, Florence
Through October 18
In recent years American artist Robert Barry, though still using language as his key means of expression, has sought to perfect visual efficiency in his work as well. His choice of single words – which are never nouns, but verbs or adverbs – results not so much from the logical link between them, as the visual impact generated by their actual physical presence in a specific place.
The artist designed the installation Four Yellow Pieces specifically for this Florentine gallery. He has transformed its two exhibition areas to such an extent that the space is redefined. The artist places his words strategically, interacting dynamically with the empty spaces around them to create occasional ‘pauses’.
The words ‘real’ and ‘against’ are applied on transparent yellow film onto the gallery’s two external windows. Inside, the words ‘intend’, ‘without’, ‘expect’, ‘another’ and ‘remind’ are painted on the walls of one of the gallery’s two rooms. The yellow color, slant and considerable size of the letters inevitably force the visitor to make quick mental associations, and also to follow the intellectual train of thought set in motion by the artist himself.
Far from using language to proclaim set truths, Barry seeks only to encourage visitors to expand their own ideas. In the adjacent room a single word is written in small letters on the wall facing the entrance: ‘listen’. The blank walls surrounding it add to the strength of this one distinct word. A contemplative silence is evoked, as if to compensate for the highly charged notions prompted by the writings in the adjoining room.
In the same room, concluding the exhibition, Barry has hung a small square canvas. It depicts the same words that are written on the walls in the exhibition. On canvas, however, they are reproduced in tiny white characters on a yellow background. The artist has provocatively created a miniature reproduction of the gallery walls.
Daniela Ardizzone
Translation by Rosalind Furness
