The day before Thanksgiving I went to the Whitney to view, 'As Far As The Eye Can See,' the 40-year retrospective of the language-based artist Lawrence Weiner, (on view November 15, 2007- February 10, 2008). Full of typographical equations in large wall installations, Weiner’s materials and subject matter are embodied in written phrases and word plays that describe fragments of sculptural and atmospheric configurations. “Mr. Weiner’s work asks questions about who makes or owns art, where it can occur and how long it lasts,” states the museum's website. “It reminds us that while art and money may have been inextricably entwined throughout most of history, art’s real value is not measured in strings of zeros, high-priced materials or bravura skill, but in communication, experience, economy of means (the true beauty) and, yes, the inspired disturbance of all status quos.”
Disturbance of all status quos is what Todd Haynes’ new film 'I’m Not There' represented when I saw it on Friday night at Film Forum. Captured unconventionally in a non-linear style, are the life and times of the reclusive Bob Dylan. In the biographical film, Haynes depicts Dylan through six different characters playing multiple personas of the singer/songwriter, none of which go by the name Bob Dylan. The cast includes Marcus Carl Franklin, Ben Whishaw, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Richard Gere and Cate Blanchett, all of who collectively sculpt a conceptual likeness of a Dylan. “The film is inspired by Dylan’s music and his ability to recreate and re-imagine himself time and time again,” says key producer Christine Vachon, referring to Dylan’s poetic narrative style of song writing.
With Dylan as his vehicle, Haynes illustrates a metaphysical portrait, stylistically reminiscent of Godard and Fellini- rooted in fantasy, juxtaposition and fun. Seeing the exhibition one day before, and the movie the day after Thanksgiving, the two experiences mingled together in my subconscious stirring thoughts about music and voice as message, message as art, and the role of the messenger. I think of Cate Blanchett's character floating high above a rural landscape like a balloon. I see giant cool-colored letters levitating against a nothing-white background, manipulating my idea of space and time. I am still impressed, and thankful to be a part of such dialogue, for having embraced substantial food for thought this holiday.
I did the portrait above to accompany the fiction story, 'Bob Dylan Goes Tubing,' for The Walrus magazine in Toronto. It was published last summer.
