Back to London for visa and to see husband off to Zambia. Out of laziness opted for Tates to visit.
I've always like the idea of Tate Modern, impressive building, great to see it being used again (what plans for Battersea?). Important to have a truly iconic modern art gallery in London. But Tate Modern is disappointing.
Why?
Dreary interior - grey, dark, little natural light.
Huge but poorly utilised space, massive walkways, reception areas, huge shop (of course) but little art in comparison. A floor for members only? Hmm.
Ok, building is great but does it really make good gallery? To appreciate it is to appreciate industrial design, wasn't built as a gallery unlike Guggenheims and other Tates (note to all and self - visit St. Ives!).
Didn't go to exhibitions had to pay for (doesn't tell you anywhere how much costs until you get to the floor they are on, then you have to go back to buy tickets, no thanks), just meandered. Anne Lee exhibition 'No Ghost Just a Shell' - big raspberry, trite, vapid - sometimes bad idea to let artists write, some truly awfully scripted video installations.
Pop Art room a nice find, Andy Warhols - pretty exciting to see in real life, 3 Way Plug by Claes Oldenburg a revelation - texturial, erotic, funny and overwhelming. Huge plug made from mahogany wood, hanging majestically in the space but gallery a bit pokey.
Tate Modern = tiring - no proper seats, just those weird stools that are so awkward, overcrowded
= cold!
Still love it for its flaws however, better if it tried to be less apologetic for being an art gallery and toned down the theme park aspect.
Tate Britain - now that's better.
Big spacious rooms, beautiful construction.
Places to sit!
Light!
Fascinating narrative of art through the ages in Britain. Great exhibition - 'Beating the Bounds', great work by Frank Auerbach - paint as sculpture, brilliant video installation Helen Appel, funny moving. Nice to see some Gilbert and George - have we forgotten about them?
Verdict: Tate Modern like a gritty communal shower
Tate Britain - a warm bath in a porcelain, private suite
