More Love: Art, Politics and Sharing Since the 1990s
Presented by the Ackland Art Museum
I ventured way outside of my comfort zone and my normal interests with a Visit to the Ackland Art Museum. While there, I was able to view one of their current exhibits entitled "More Love: Art, Politics, and Sharing Since the 1990s". It was a rather unique view of how the world has addressed love as a political force. It also discussed social interaction and equality through love. It addressed these issues through imagery and the ever evolving medium that is social media.
Two pieces I found very interesting were Love for Love by Gregory Sale, and the other was a collection by Chris Barr.
Love for Love by Gregory Sale
Gregory Sales piece Love for Love was incredibly interesting. Sale's art consists of white signs posted all around Chapel Hill as well as the museum with poetry on it. His signs are reminders of love and intimacy. While I do not necessarily understand how a sign that says "I guess I was wrong" might bring back feelings of love and romance, he says it does so I take him at his word. It is interesting these unique street signs can be so prevalent in such a small town and have such a profound meaning to certain people.
Sale gets most of his poetry from slam poetry and spoken word groups. Chapel Hill residents have joined in on this process and program. Sale's signs can be see around Chapel Hill (White circles with green writing are Sale's work and White Circles with Red writing are Chapel Hill residents).
No Time for Love: Worldwide Regrets Counter for Misplaced Priorities by Chris Barr
This exhibit did not strike me as art initially until I understood what it was. This is a collection of explanations for regrets due to circumstances. This text is written by Chapel Hill and other surrounding area natives. In it, they release their voices which might normally never be heard. Anyone can submit their statements online, and at his website you see voices from all over. "I could have told you to your face but instead I left you like a coward", and I could have had the baby but instead I didn't. In Barr's own words, "No Time for Love collects stories of regret from people dealing with the delicate balance of life, love, and labor. In a reality where time is finite, prioritizing love, in any form, can be challenging. This project acknowledges that struggle." Many of the comments I saw were problems I have had before and this was by far my favorite exhibit. I recommend that anyone who has a chance to go should go for just this exhibit alone.
