Regular Runner at Tate Britain
Wednesday October 1, 2008
When I came out of the Francis Bacon exhibition at Tate Britain last week I almost walked into one of these runners!You guessed it, this is art. It's called Work no.850 and is part of the The Duveen Galleries Commission 2008 and is by Martin Creed and is on until 16 November 2008.
Work No. 850 is a simple idea: someone runs as fast as they can every thirty seconds through the gallery. Each run is followed by an equivalent pause, like a musical rest, during which the grand Neoclassical gallery is empty. This work celebrates physicality and the human spirit. Creed has instructed the runners to sprint as if their lives depended on it!
For reasons of safety, the public is asked not to run or obstruct the runners.
About Tate Britain:
Tate Britain is the national gallery of British art from 1500 to today. The rooms are arranged in chronological order, often with a theme or a focus on a particular artist. Find out all you need to know to plan a visit including, how to get there, opening hours, access information, and family activities by reading the Tate Britain Visitor Information.
- Francis Bacon at Tate Britain
- Mark Rothko at Tate Modern
- Tate Britain Visitor Information
- Tate Modern Visitor Information
- Image: © visitlondonimages/ britainonview
Comments
When I read about this bit of performance art I was dubious, but when I was in the Tate last month I was surprised by how effective it is at making you aware of the atmosphere of the gallery and the way people behave. It’s quite startling to suddenly have someone charge past you in a context where people generally saunter along.