Tate Modern: Staircase III by Do Ho Suh

Energy and Process- Anti Povera and Anti- Form

On visiting the Janel Wafson de Botton Gallery at the Tate Modern there was an installation that caught my eye.

This installation by Do Ho Suh, it is called Staircase III. It is a polyester and stainless installation which replicates a stairway in the artist apartment in Chelsea, New York. This installation is based on personal memories of architectural spaces.

On seeing this installation in the exhibition I remember liking the way that the orange colour brightened up a white room because the fabric used is translucent. As a result the space was given a feeling of positive energy and I liked how everything had a reason. The reason for this red polyester fabric emphasises the particular cultural resonance of red in Istanbul and Turkey. The artist referred to this colour as "Ottoman Red." However, this colour was also used because it contrasts with the original architectural structure.

Also, depending on the direction you enter the space alters the angel in which you look at the installation. On one side it looks as though the stairway is hanging upside down from the ceiling. From this direction it feels as though you are free as there is nothing supporting the sides of the stairs. However, if you look at the stairway from the other direction you feel that it is exactly as it should be with the banister on the top and that this is the correct way round, but the stairway looks as though it is enclosed giving a feeling of that you can only travel in one direction.

While researching online about the installation I came across a subtle short video of the artist himself explaining his ideas and the reasons for his installation. Also, the video shows the process of assembly at Tate Modern.

Bibliography:

http://beta.tate.org.uk/art/artists/do-ho-suh-12799

http://vimeo.com/2985253