Introduction
Mark Wallinger is one of the most interesting artists working today. His work encompasses everything from sculpture and photography to video installations and public projects. But what makes Wallinger’s art so unique is the way it reflects his own psyche. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the mind of Mark Wallinger and explore some of the key themes and ideas that inform his work.
The Mirror
One of Wallinger’s most famous works is a piece called The Mirror. It’s a large, circular mirror placed on the floor of an exhibition space, and viewers are invited to stand on it and look up. The result is a distorted view of themselves, which Wallinger has called a “self-portrait in absentia.” This work speaks to the way we construct our own self-image, and how that image can be distorted by external forces.
The Numeral Series
Another key body of work for Wallinger is his Numeral series. These are massive sculptures of the numbers 0-9, each standing several meters tall. The sculptures are made from different materials, including steel, concrete, and bronze, and are often displayed outdoors. The series explores our relationship with numbers and measurement, and how they shape our understanding of the world around us.
Class
Class is another important theme for Wallinger. He grew up in a working-class family in Chigwell, Essex, and many of his works explore issues of social class and inequality. For example, his piece Sleeper is a film that documents Wallinger’s journey on a sleeper train from Scotland to London. Along the way, he captures the stark contrasts between the luxury cabins and the cramped, uncomfortable seats in standard class.
The Invisible
Wallinger is also fascinated by the invisible world of ideas and beliefs that shape our lives. His work has explored everything from religious iconography to political ideology. For example, his video installation Threshold to the Kingdom depicts a group of pilgrims walking across a desert landscape, symbolizing the spiritual journey.
The Animal Kingdom
Another recurring theme for Wallinger is the animal kingdom. He has created several works that explore our relationship with animals, including a sculpture of a poached elephant and a series of photographs of stuffed animals in natural history museums. These works prompt us to consider our own role in the natural world and the impact we have on other creatures.
Public Art and Space
Wallinger is also known for his public art projects, which often involve interventions in urban spaces. For example, his installation Ecce Homo on Trafalgar Square’s fourth plinth depicted a life-size statue of Christ, questioning the place of religion in modern society. Similarly, his Labyrinth project transformed the floors of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral into a giant maze, inviting visitors to explore the space in a new way.
Identity
Identity is a core concern for Wallinger, ranging from his own personal identity to broader issues of national and cultural identity. His work State Britain was a recreation of the protest camp set up by peace activist Brian Haw in Parliament Square, depicting the fight for freedom of speech and democracy in the UK. Through his works, Wallinger invites us to consider how we define ourselves and our place in the world.
Conclusion
Mark Wallinger is an artist who digs deep into the psyche and brings out themes and issues that are central to our lives. Through his art, he invites us to consider how we construct our identities, how we relate to power and inequality, and how our beliefs and values shape the world around us.
FAQs
Q1: What is Mark Wallinger known for?
A1: Mark Wallinger is known for his varied art that explores themes like social class, identity, animal kingdom, numbers and measurement, public space, religious iconography and much more.
Q2: What is The Mirror?
A2: The Mirror is a piece of art created by Mark Wallinger that is a large circular mirror placed on the exhibition floor. Viewers are invited to stand on it and look up, and the result is a distorted view of themselves that Wallinger has called a “self-portrait in absentia.”
Q3: What is the Numeral series?
A3: The Numeral series is a body of work created by Mark Wallinger that features massive sculptures of the numbers 0-9, each standing several meters tall. The sculptures explore our relationship with numbers and measurement.
Q4: What is the theme of Class in Mark Wallinger’s work?
A4: Class is a recurring theme in Mark Wallinger’s work. He grew up in a working-class family in Essex, and many of his works explore issues of social class and inequality.
Q5: What is the theme of identity in Mark Wallinger’s work?
A5: Identity is a core concern in Mark Wallinger’s work. His art seeks to explore how we construct our identities, and how we relate to power, inequality, and broader issues of national and cultural identity.