Event 3: Delete Me Gallery, Lander Exhibit

Recently, I attended the MFA Delete Me art exhibit, which featured modern art that focused a lot on society and perception of people. In the middle of the exhibit was Lander's piece: a mobile with hanging white blocks, children's toys, and screens, called the "Knicker Twister." The children's toys were previously owned stuffed animals that were repeatedly dipped in paint until hardened. The screens portrayed people dressed in only white undergarments, being digitally spun and distorted. Throughout the whole piece ran plastic tubes not unlike those for IVs that contained an off-white, blueish liquid. At the base of the mobile unit was a pastry platter with glass dome, holding three rolls of toilet paper.

I had the opportunity to speak to Lander about his piece, and his answers fascinated me. When asked about the screens, Lander explained that the distortion occurring made the people look like tornadoes, a synonym to "twister" and a play on words. The stuffed animals were made to be enigmatic, or mysterious. The boxes, Lander explained, portrayed problems, notably the little issues in life that we tend to make big. Lander wanted the pieces hanging to be especially up to interpretation. 

Lander explained that the piece was an ode to making a big deal out of little problems, blowing them out of proportion. However, when pressed further, Lander stated (and I directly quote), "The whole thing is kind of for nothing." "There's no message in this piece; it's a joke," Lander continued. I personally interpreted a lot of the piece as somewhat of a nod to children and how they especially are more likely to make big fusses out of small problems.

I was able to connect Lander's piece to this class by coming to the realization that just because we have technology does not always mean there's a purpose to its every use. While this class examines how art, science, and technology intermingle, it (arguably) looks at only the most notable advancements and connections of the three. There do exist art exhibits, and even art un-shown, that utilizes technology for no reason other than, well, for nothing. However, I believe this speaks to greater things. We, as people, have access to so many resources and how we utilize them greatly affects the world around us. It is debatable whether or not it's acceptable to use resources for fun. Lander's piece speaks towards the moral and ethical questions that this class poses: when technology is involved, what art is to be expressed?

 All pictures taken by Jennifer Merritt (2017); all art exhibit material courtesy of Lander and UCLA MFA DMA. Proof of attendance: