artist/scientist/cupid

Hal Foster summarises that artists engaging with relational aesthetics “aim to turn passive viewers into a temporary community of active interlocutors.” Viewers are encouraged to be active through sociability or discussion surrounding the works. One artist Foster mentions takes this idea to a whole new level. Carsten Holler is a Belgian artist with a doctorate in biology. With this influence, many of his works can be considered both science and art. For example, the work Solandra Greenhouse is a small inviting greenhouse, through which the viewer walks, surrounded by the Solandra maxima vine. The chemicals emitted by the vine have a peculiar effect on humans: inducing a physical response that corresponds with amorous feelings. He is not just interested in the social or vocal relations between viewers but their emotional relations. What I find interesting is that the viewer’s activity in this piece is somewhat of a paradox: their participation is a necessary component however their physical response to it is biologically predetermined and thus passive. Holler is scientist cross artist cross cupid!