Around the front legs of the skeleton horse is an electronic ticker tape showing the prices on London's stock exchange. A symbol of the excesses of the market and a reference to the statue of William IV on a horse that was originally intended for the plinth but never happened due to a lack of funds.
Artist and sculptor Hans Haacke says the work is "an invitation to think about whether the invisible hand of the market does promote general welfare or whether there's a misunderstanding, or whether it is totally wrong."
Looking a gift horse in the mouth takes on a whole new meaning.
It has to make you think a bit that's for sure.
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ReplyDeleteIt is different to see like this..
ReplyDeleteIt is funny how contemporary artists are always prone to criticize a system the allow them to thrive with works like this one.
ReplyDeleteI love your shot of it! It sure gives you a lot to think about. I already like it better than the blue chicken.
ReplyDeleteI loved the blue chicken! The whole concept of the plinth with different works is wonderful. I like this horse too and it is a good message.
ReplyDeleteI like public art that makes us think. And I like how creative artists can be when expressing an opinion.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does stand out.
ReplyDeleteI haven't properly been to see this yet. I looks like it needs some time spent contemplating what it really means rather than a fleeting visit, walking past it on the way to somewhere else. I will go, now you've reminded us.
ReplyDeleteThat is really something different!
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