This work has been entirely funded by the artist. Feeling the pressures of time, Mendes doesn’t wait for official approval, or subsidies, he moves forward, selecting a place to execute his work. Content in a location unwanted by most, (the beach in the winter), his is a wry commentary on life in contempory society. Conjuring up idea's such as global Migration, (and the difficulties an emigrant faces trying to find his place in a strange land), nature vs. civilization, and arts place in society.
The title "Tide" is a reference to the unstoppable flow of water around the world, but can also be read more locally as a word play on the Flemish word for time,"Tijd", pronounced the same. It's hard to tell when these works arrived at their present location. They could have been here for years, and only recently revealed by the changing tide of the times.
Mendes's Brazilian heritage also brings back thoughts of the Conquistadors. Having ridden the tides to the America's, they should have know the same tides would recede, bringing back with them pieces of the America's. These modern day migrates come with decidedly more peaceful goals. Seeking to learn from our new found land, we also seek to contribute, providing incites that may go unseen by those too familiar in their natural surroundings.
These additions can be seen as scars in the landscape, (reminesant of Land Art form the early '70's), but can also be seen as an attempt to open up the situation, releasing the interesting ideas bubbling just below the surface. Leaving his mark on both mother earth, (society), and his chosen profession, (art), Mendes seeks out new ground for artistic exploration.
We'd like to invite you to join us to view this temporary installation. There will be a special press preview on Saturday Dec. 1st from 10-12am. Photo opportunities will be provided, and the artist will be present for interviews. Could you please list us in the approiate section of your publication, The listing should read:
Jorge Mendes: art arte anvers antwerp antwerpen expo in belgium london berlin USA NY japan tokio basel bienal moma mam masp parade muhka smak louvre guggenheim saatchi net tide with gallery galeria galerie series museum bozart brussel RJ in tate köln modern wikipedia cuil elefhant Künstler artist artista wikipedia dubai yahoo white google windows com brasil para painter modigliane lautrec picasso gogh basquiat michelangelo hoper obama foto photo saatchi series be msn sculpture escultura cube tatoo pain and pleasure show 2008