Trabalho/Trabajo/Work

It would be fair to say that The Nature of Speech is a classic installation. After all, we can all recognize a space composed for a certain kind of environment; one carefully planned to incite some very specific reaction from its’ viewers. Similar to many installations, this artwork belongs to conceptualism. It does not necessarily depicts an image or its’ abstraction. Aesthetics are an important element, but its primary concern, quite literally, is concept.

By looking closer, however, the picture seems to be blurred. In this type of artwork, concept is not just represented or aroused from static aesthetic features. Instead, by being immersed in an active environment observers can instantly recognize the basic messages of the artwork. This exact feature also represents an incompatibility with that usual conceptualistic characteristic: contemplation. When a person is “attacked” by sound, the message is clear. This cognitive process is accelerated by our own personal experience- good or bad.

The Nature of Speech has a clear subject, described on its’ own name. Speech’s relation with Knowledge and Power are, in effect, represented at the space. At this work, Speech and Knowledge are actually the same. Both also result in the same fate: Power. Consequently, this is the very same relationship that is experienced by an observer caught in this drama. Objects, sound and space acting as purely abstract ideas.

Despite those plain features, some other secondary but important statements are made on the artwork. On its’ own reality, The Nature of Speech has only one speaker. This character controls all, speech and knowledge. In this scenario, power is just a mere consequence. All other observers are subject to this person. Power will be exercised on them as long as the speaker desires. Try to face it, and suffer the consequences.

I wonder what could happen in this scenario. The stage, in principle, is set. What now? Benevolent speakers? Passive crowds? Rebellions?