Presented by the Imperial War Museum, London and curated by Sanna Moore, ‘Age of Terror: Art Since 9/11’ exhibits the work of over forty artists from around the world. All coming from different backgrounds and using different mediums the exhibition provides a unique opportunity to compare how the events of September 11th 2001 affected the world.
The show aims to portray the ongoing political and social change that 9/11 has had on the world. From increased security measures, George Bush’s ‘Global War on Terror’ and the Iraq War have all contributed to a significant change in the wests social and political out looks. Each exhibiting artist has helped to express the opinions to how each nation; social class and religious group have reacted to the atrocities committed in the subsequent fall out.
One particular focus of the exhibition is Iván Navarro’s ‘The Twin Towers’. The work consists of two LED infinity mirrors placed flat against the floor; the work creates the illusion of an infinitely deep pit as the lights recess into the void. In order to account for the impact and nature of the work the curator has decided to isolate them from the main part of the exhibit. The work is thus displayed in a slightly darkened room to emphasise the depth of the piece and the isolation of an eternally dark pit. However, the work is simply placed onto the floor of the exhibition rather than built into it, due to this there is a six-inch skirting around the work, which, I find, breaks the illusion.
Overall, the exhibition leaves the viewer reflecting on the impact of war and how the war on terror might be resolved in the future. However it also leaves them questioning the appropriateness of continual surveillance, increased security measures and living in a world on high alert and how that has affected us and our following generations.