All are to blame for everything
This week, Zavitz Gallery features ALL ARE TO BLAME FOR EVERYTHING, an exhibition of works by students in Sculpture III and IV. It opened on Nov. 17 and runs until Nov. 21. I wandered through the gallery with Odesia Howlett, a fourth-year English major, talking about the work. Since the show was still being installed during our early morning visit and will continue to change over the course of the week, we also spoke to one of the artists involved, Megan Keogh. This is a selection from our conversation:
Odesia: There are two fans facing a chime. One fan is very close to an extension cord, but it’s not plugged in. The other one isn’t close to an extension cord, and it’s also not plugged in. Is that just because they have yet to plug them in, or is it part of the artwork? No one knows. Except the artist. Who isn’t here.
Will: Does this provoke any strong emotional reaction in you?
Odesia: No, it doesn’t. But I’m sure, when the fans turn on and the chimes actually start chiming, it’ll sound nice.
Will: Can you plug it in?
Odesia: There we go. It spins. That’s something of significance. I’m sure if the other fan kicked in, it would spin faster, and the chimes would hit each other. “What does it all mean?”
Will: How is this a sculpture? Do you think this is a sculpture?
Odesia: Anything is a sculpture if you make it.
Will: Do you think there’s something about inaction in this work? It’s not making a sound. The fans aren’t running. That leaves you wanting or creates that powerful feeling of “almostness.”
Odesia: Powerful feeling not so much. Yeah, if they’re chimes, you want to hear them. And if
you’re not hearing them, they’re just pieces of metal floating from the ceiling.
Will: So we’ve been standing here, Megan, talking about these fans and these chimes. What
does it mean that the show’s a work in progress?
Megan: The show is like a sculpture studio for us. We’re inviting people to come into our studio and observe us. Sometimes, you’ll see us working, and some people are working overnight. You’ll come in, and the next day it will be completely different. It’s an experience that you have to keep coming back for.
Will: What do you think of that?
Odesia: I think it’s pretty cool. It’s good getting people to come back.
Will: Are you going to come back?
Odesia: Probably, because I’m confused as hell right now. Might as well.
