Roni Horn aka Roni Horn, organized by the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, is now on display at The Institute of Contemporary Art, which lies quite literally on the shore of the Atlantic ocean in Boston, Massachusetts. The show spans several floors and is divided into seven quaint sections. Horn has worked in several medias over the last thirty years, and this retrospective display includes her eclectic choice of materials and media including glass and gold sculptures, color and black and white photographs, collaged drawings, sound, books, and installation.
Bird, 2008
Copyright Roni Horn
One might ask, how do all of these medias work together? Well, you can either walk from room to room and draw your own conclusions like I did on my first round, or you can use the assistance of the seven postcard descriptions located in each section of the show. The cards offer a description of the materials used, and give some insight into Horn’s concepts, even quoting her at times. To top it off, they all fit nicely into an envelope acquired in the first room stamped “RONI HORN AKA RONI HORN”. Personally I loved these cards; they allowed me to walk around and spend time with my own thoughts for a while rather then being instantly confronted by a statement giving it all away. Having them all together at the end also helps to draw connections between the different periods and mediums involved in her work. It also gave me a wonderful object to take home and cherish, reminding me of the experience (and her name…).
This is me, This is you (detail), 1998–2000 (ninety-six chromogenic prints)
Copyrigth Roni Horn
Horn was born and studied in the U.S., but her love for Iceland plays a large role in a lot of the work. The geography and climate of Iceland quite clearly fit into her reoccurring themes of weather. It also holds a certain aesthetic that is also translated into the work not directly involved with the particular location. The theme of weather, and themes of our relationships with nature, translate as metaphors for her themes of perception and more importantly identity in flux. The theme of shifting identity is quite eloquently spoken about in several places throughout the show, one of my favorites being room three: “Is this me?”. This curatorial masterpiece separates onto two opposing walls, the photographs of her niece over the course of a couple years. The viewer is caught in between these walls physically engaged in the act of looking back and fourth, questioning exactly what are the signifiers of identity and how it is changing this girl.
River Thames 2
Copyright Roni Horn
Also attributed to the curator is the location in which these works of art are housed. Visitors actually have the opportunity to sit down on the upper floor and listen to recordings of philosophies surrounding the idea of water, while looking out the floor to ceiling windows onto the Atlantic. Other work that is close enough to the windows is also able to change as clouds move in and out and the sun rises and sets, correlating directly to these issues of flux.
This is well thought out curating accompanied by well thought out work. I was able to go from room to room drawing strong connections between the different pieces, with only a couple of the rooms feeling a bit out of step. With the opportunity I would remove some of the drawings and collages, as it feels much less connected and far less emotive than the photographs and some of the incredibly involving sculpture. All things considered, the show is well worth your time.
Jared Kuzia is a photography junior at the Art Institute of Boston.
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