Tino Sehgal, Tate Modern - commentary
It is not often that we get to hear the tales of strangers, but Tino Sehgal plunges us briefly into the intimate thoughts of a cluster of people in the Turbine Hall.
As I walked in, there were at the end of the
space, a wave of figures slowly walking forwards. Gradually they drew level
with me and a young woman approached, telling me about the surprise party she
had organised for a friend and the great feelings of love she felt as they
gathered for the celebration. Then she was off.
The pace quickened and more of the group broke
off to tell me about everything from a visit to a sister in South Korea, to
their feelings at being the lone man in a marmalade-making class. We never know
if these are real or imagined tales.
Soon the group was swarming around the hall. And
then, darkness. They began chanting words like "electric" before
mournfully singing "Even in the technological age".
And that is the key to this work, for me — it
seems to be about human interaction in an age steeped in BlackBerrys and iPads
— the alienating results of our attachment to commodities.
Sehgal's work is life-affirming, thrillingly
enjoyable, and strangely melancholy — a lament for community and human
interaction. It is an absolute must-see.
The Tino Sehgal exhibition will be at Tate Modern from July 24 - October 28. tate.org.uk/modern
