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Grotto

A review of Randy Polumbo's contemporary art instillation- 'Grotto'

By Elijah Marr Published 2 years ago 3 min read
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I took this panoramic of Randy Polumbo’s Grotto

There exists another world. But it is assuredly in this one (1). I had the pleasure of experiencing another world at the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) last spring, in the form of Polumbo’s 2017 instillation work 'Grotto'. Randy Polumbo is an American based multidisciplinary artist who works and resides in both New York and California. His respectable career spans three decades and uses means such as photography, found objects, and site specific instillation as tools for altering established systems, such as, the libidinal, ecological and biological. He works with abstraction, interior worlds, and recycled and reused elements (2), and is most well-known for his techno-organic, erotic solar glass and crystal gardens (3).

Illuminating from a dimly lit concrete hallway is the small entrance to a bright little, dreamlike cave. One first remarks its whimsical, fairytale, futuristic, alien quality. This is accomplished through the use of unnatural colours, materials, and otherworldly design elements. A reflective argent skin unevenly comprises the installations dome, disrupted only by glowing white fissures that offer depth to the interior space. Emerging from that skin is a variety of individually crafted phallic glass flowers that serenely pulsate light, that in turn, reflect on the surrounding environment. One remarks the psychedelic swirling patterns found throughout the space and the masterful curation of an array of eclectic materials that comprise the composition. Visitors are encouraged to absorb the instillation by sitting on the metallic grey stalagmite cushions that protrude from the ground. As the room is imperfectly round, one is obligated to notice the other people in it, and share in the spectacle of one another. There is no official audio component for the instillation, however, this allows for a more acute awareness of naturally occurring sounds, such as, people being seated on the thickly upholstered stalagmites, food wrappers being torn open, footsteps approaching the 'Grotto', gasps of awe at first sight of the secluded instillation, breaths of relaxation, and words of pure amazement.

Upon first introduction, 'Grotto' is pleasant, pleasurable, and humorous, but, after some reflection one discerns that the humour is slightly more perverse. This erotic humour is found in the simultaneously biological and ecological dildo flowers that ordain the walls of 'Grotto'. As well as, the encased silver cave that references 'ceiling mirrors', and the flaccid stalagmites, that visitors recline on, that would, in reality, be rock hard. These elements are all simultaneously comedic and covertly sexual. This playful visual humour invites the audience to witness and experience the subversion of both art and morality.

Though Polumbo's 'Grotto' is a contemporary work of art, it is worth noting its Surrealist influence, as it is imperative to think critically about the relation of the current moment to the past (4). The otherworldliness present in 'Grotto' offers its viewer a Surrealist experience rarely seen since the day's of Salvador Dali. The work not only depicts a dreamlike space but, invites imagination in the viewer. This facilitates participatory escapism that liberates the audience from their current reality by transporting them to a previously unknown realm.

It is not very often that one is afforded the opportunity to immerse one's self in such a meticulously constructed environment. 'Grotto' is a true embodiment of the saying, there exists another world. But it is assuredly in this one (1), as it successfully evokes 'another world', a different world, while, of course, still being physically linked to this world. Polumbo's 'Grotto' is a site all should behold. If ever you find yourself near Hobart Tasmania, Australia, I would suggest setting aside the time to experience another world. You surely will not regret it.

(For additional documentation of Randy Polumbo's 'Grotto' please visit - https://www.polumbo.com/Grotto-for-MONA )

1- Mathews, J., 1965. An Introduction To Surrealism. USA: The Pennsylvania State University Press.

2- Polumbo, R., 2021. Randy Polumbo | Artspace. [online] Artspace. Available at: <https://www.artspace.com/artist/randy-polumbo> [Accessed 1 April 2021].

3- Saatchi Art. 2021. Randy Polumbo | Saatchi Art. [online] Available at: <https://www.saatchiart.com/Randy> [Accessed 30 March 2021].

4- Meyer, R., 2013. What Was Contemporary Art?. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press, pp.279-281.

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About the Creator

Elijah Marr

I am a recent Fine Arts graduate looking to find my voice. Thank you!

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