An Anonymous Quality: Steinunn Thorarinsdottir

Steinunn Thorarinsdottir

BORDERS

on display at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza
New York City
March 24 - September 30, 2011

26 androgynous, life-size sculptures

13 aluminum, 13 cast iron

When I am trying to sort out a problem, I like to take a walk.  I hiked down to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza on East 47 Street to see Steinunn Thorarinsdottir's new environmental installation, "Borders."

Sitting among these undefined figures, I was able to let my mind wander until I felt comfortable among these remote figures.  They emote nothing.  I was particularly comforted by their lack of overtones.  It was exactly what I was looking for.  I was able to concentrate on my problem. 

"They invite the spectator to be part of an unspoken dialogue that makes us ask questions of ourselves and our place in the world, they are thoughtful, contemplative, introspective.  There is a tranquility, a non aggressive posture, the hands often turned outwards in a supplicant gesture. "
Peter Osborne, director of Osborne Samuel, London

If you find yourself in the neighborhood, I recommend taking a load off.  Try sitting among these figures.  AS a fall back, you can always go into Japan Society and see "Bye, Bye Kitty!!! Between Heaven and Hell in Contemporary Japanese Art," which seems like an amazing title considering the events of the past month in that island nation.