Visitors' Comments
on the Tobacco Project
This page is a list of the
ideas and comments we have received concerning tobacco, the Project,
and other aspects of Xu Bing's work. We thank those below who have shared
their thoughts with us, and who have now become a part of the Project.
If you like what you see and would also like to have your comments listed
here, just let us know.
Gene Borio,
Tobacco BBS, November 15, 2000
Visit Tobacco BBS at http://www.tobacco.org
I notice
that Xu Bing seems more concerned with the art-world aspect of his
project than with the project's ostensible subject: tobacco.
The proposed
essays seem to all come from art and literature academics/professionals.
The background
links for the project are all art-oriented links.
The links
and essays are not unique to the subject matter. The same links could
be plugged into almost any art project--say, an installation on cement.
I can
understand a mix of essays and insights from business, science, agriculture,
history, culture, health--AND art. But to focus solely on the art-world
aspect of the project seems to me shallow and demeaning to the significance
of the subject matter--as if the subject's very raison d'etre is only
to provide a springboard for the creation of art.
Please
consider broadening and deepening the project to more accurately encompass
the vast, myriad complexities of this fascinating and important subject.
Best,
Gene
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