A piece of art I always imagined would be featured here is Bruce Nauman’s One Hundred Live and Die. When I saw it featured on the fox is black, I was reminded of the beauty and vibrancy of Nauman’s masterpiece and knew I had to post it. One Hundred Live and Die features multicoloured neon phrases outlining 100 ways one could live or die. Installed on four metal monoliths in a pitch black room, the different colour phrases are lit up individually and then in patterns of connected emotions. The result is a commentary on life and the many ways it can be made incredible, difficult, mundane, beautiful, unfair, funny, strange and so forth. Some phrases make perfect sense, some feel a bit more obscure (what exactly does ‘yellow and live’ mean?) As each phrase lights up, the dark room is bathed in glowing, brilliant and ever-changing colour. Eventually the entire piece is lit and the viewer is overwhelmed by not only the spellbinding colour but by the emotion of 100 ways life can be lived and experienced. What is stunning is that this piece was created in 1984. It certainly could have been made today which only underlines Nauman’s talent in creating timeless contemporary art. To me, the story and feeling behind this work of art and the colours used are awe-inspiring. I would love to see the vibrant colours and light patterns of One Hundred Live and Die in person and experience true neon poetry.

(via the the fox is black & pbs)