the setting sun
Here is a very cute diary of the sun by Mr Adrian Hardwicke, the front of house manager at Tate Modern. Marking the end of the Weather Project, the sun is lit up until 1am this weekend. I've been to the Turbine Hall quite a few times, but I remembered the scene can be delightfully striking for a first time vistor. It is pure enchantment to see a giant yellow neon light hanging high above, with the theatrical effects of the mystic haze. Yet, it is people's reactions to the sun that makes the piece most interesting. This Tuesday while there with Dad, we saw a circle of people hand in hand maybe doing a sun dance of some sort. So, there is nothing new under the sun? Here are some favourite snippets from the diary:
1) 'If the person being photographed stands in the right place with their arms aloft, it looks as if they are holding up the sun. That's my favourite shot'.
2) 'On Friday night I was surprised to see a couple picnicking. They weren't just having a sandwich but had brought in all the essential ingredients--including a rug, a large picnic hamper, champagne and what looked like a wonderful home-baked pie. I was very tempted to ask if I could join them'.
3) 'The strangest moment yet--a visitor brought in his blow-up canoe and sat there surrounded by strangers pretending to paddle towards the sun. He seemed quite an ordinary man, middle-aged and reasonably well dressed. He packed up and moved on after 15 minutes'.