Art may be commonly thought of as a highly visual experience. This Spring, the Weisman Art Museum features “The Other Four”, a collection of works that aim to capture art beyond mere sight. This collection was organized by Twin Cities-based artist and curator John Schuerman and will be viewable to the public from February 9th, 2024 to May 19th, 2024.
It’s not uncommon for art museums or galleries to put up signs that ask patrons to not touch the exhibits or artwork. However, last Thursday at the Weisman Art Museum, one would have witnessed a very opposite scene. At “The Other Four” exhibition, patrons were able to experience art via smell, touch, sound, and even taste. Last Thursday one would have been able to not only witness unique art pieces, but feel the peculiar and different tactile works. Patrons would open bottles that contained a variety of interesting and even unpleasant (often to others’ humour) smells that would evoke an array of emotions.
Many artists attempt to convey their own lived experiences and personal events through art. Art through other physical mediums expands the way they’re able to tell their stories. Memories and feelings become more vivid. A foul smell named after a man evokes thoughts of what kind of person that could have been. The taste of a Biscoff airplane cookie tells the story of an artist from a far away place. The small description plaques next to the art pieces seem to pale in comparison to the actual ineffability of the work.
This piece utilizes smell to convey the artist’s work. A bottle with the text, “Dammit Jim” contains an evocative smell. (Nikolai G)
Stepping back from the deeply emotional connections that these pieces have, there were many pieces that were incredibly creative. One art piece utilized vibrating metal pieces that conducted sound not through vibrations in the air, but through physical connection. Other pieces created distinct feelings or colors using a variety of materials many would not begin to consider.
Ironically, this article in many ways fails to capture the artwork described. Like sight, the printed word is also merely another medium that fails to convey experience. Having said that, one thing that this article hopes to convey is how amazing and remarkable the pieces at this new exhibition were. Aside from these new pieces, the Weisman Art Musuem still features many familiar and amazing pieces (such as the Pedicord Apts or the Standing Glass Fish). In addition to these iconic works, the art museum has a variety of other works on display and regularly rotates and features new and prominent pieces. For students reading this article, the Weisman Art Musuem is conveniently located on campus across from Bruininks Hall and is an enjoyable and free place to visit.
The Weisman Art museum continues to be an interesting, fun, and culturing place to visit. “The Other Four” is a fun and incredible exhibition that surely lives up to the culture and experiences afforded by the Weisman Art Museum. This new exhibition is sure to attract many news visitors and patrons alike. Hopefully the Weisman Art Musuem (and artists themselves) continue to create new and exciting experiences that convey the stories and emotions that written (or visual) work is unable to.
