Week 3- Fiona Hall's work and Mercantillism
' Leaf Litter' (1999-2003)
'Tender' (2003-05)
Fiona Hall's contemporary work relates to the Renaissance concept of Mercantillism.
Research the two examples; 'Tender'(2003-05) and 'Leaf Litter'(1999-2003) to explain how they relate to this concept. First define mercantillism and explain how it has developed since the Renaissance. For each work you will need to describe the shape, form and materials of the work, and explain the ideas behind each example.
How does the work relate to the concept of Mercantilism?
Money; the majority of people need it to sustain a reasonable living for themselves. Yet only a few can live without it. The title of the work 'Tender' has a double meaning. Tender in one sense can refer to a human emotion and in the other sense, tender is used to describe currency.
What is Mercantilism and how it has changed since the Renaissance?
Mercantilism during the 16th-18th century was wealth measured by the possession of gold one had. Since the Renaissance mercantilism has evolved. In stead of using precious metals i.e. gold, silver; a person's wealth is simple measured by how much money he has in his bank account.
Describe shape, form and materials of the work and explain the ideas behind each example.
Tender is complied of dozens of shredded U.S dollars bills in forms of birds nests. On each note has the phrase 'This note if of 'Legal Tender'. One of the messages portrayed by this is one of the effects of modernization, the advance of global trade and the spread of deforestation which is depriving many animals and humans of the environment.
These works were part of an art show titled 'Force Field' which can be viewed in one of the exhibition spaces on Youtube - Part Three: Fiona Hall: Force Field.
