The oppressive installation by Santiago Sierra at the Team Gallery consists of nine life-sized photographs of war veterans turning their backs on the viewer, facing a corner. In his work, Santiago Sierra uses simple and obvious references to assert his opposition to the social and political status quo. The titles and installations that he chooses are expressions of this commitment, as in his series of portraits of presidents of Spanish democracy, hanging upside-down from the tops of black sedans circulating like a funeral procession through the streets of Madrid.
His stagings are usually sensational and invade the public space. The effect is more important than the technique; sometimes the photographs are so grainy that they seem to be painted. However, with their size and the way they are arranged along the walls, encircling the viewer, their meaning is instantly clear. These veterans, punished and rejected by society, seem incapable of rejoining to society. They are both the executioner and victim, awaiting a verdict to be given by each visitor.
Laurence Cornet
Santiago Sierra, “Veterans”
Until May, 25th 2013
Team Gallery
83, Grand Street
New York NY10013
USA
