Wu Tsang’s “Of Whales” at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, Spain, until June 11, 2023, is a must-see installation for art enthusiasts. Wu Tsang, an American artist born in 1982, has adapted Herman Melville‘s classic novel “Moby Dick” into a cinematic experience that has been transformed into an oceanic psychedelic environment through extended reality technology.
The project, first presented at the 2022 Venice Biennale as part of the international art exhibition “The Milk of Dreams,” reanalyzes Herman Melville’s original text’s deep meditation on knowledge, exoticism, and eroticism through a post-colonial lens. This complex work of art is viewed from the perspectives of both the whale and the diverse crew of sailors aboard the Pequod whaling ship. It situates Herman Melville’s story in the context of mid-19th-century naval history, the transatlantic birth of modern capitalism, and the rise of mass protests. The vastness of the ocean becomes a symbol of the unknown, and the artist’s ideas emphasize the existence of oblique perspectives, encouraging the idea that every point of view is unique.
The “Of Whales” installation is an immersive experience that transports visitors into a stunning underwater world. Wu Tsang‘s use of extended reality technology allows visitors to explore and interact with the installation. The project is a masterpiece that combines art, technology, and storytelling to create a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza and TBA21 have brought this remarkable work of art to Spain. The exhibition is a rare opportunity to experience the artistic vision of Wu Tsang, a rising star in the contemporary art world. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to see how an artist can take a classic work of literature and transform it into a stunning and immersive installation.
“Of Whales” is an exceptional work of art that combines technology, literature, and storytelling to create a unique and unforgettable experience. Wu Tsang’s interpretation of “Moby Dick” is a post-colonialist lens through which she views the novel’s deep themes of knowledge, exoticism, and eroticism. The exhibition at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid is a must-see for art enthusiasts and anyone interested in experiencing the intersection of art and technology.
