Yesterday I went with my boys to the Blanton Museum of Art here at the University of Texas. It is a wonderful place, just opened last year. The work of art that struck me the most was "2244 Modulos" by Isabel del Rio of Santiago, Chile. My camera phone photo is here, but click here to see a better photograph.
For a period of 6 months, every time the artist (a busy mother and teacher) had free time, she would stop and make these plaster tablets, about the size of a paperback book. Each tablet is stamped with the date she made it. When stacked by day, the 6 months of free time add up to 2244 tablets that take up 9 large pallets of space. I am so intrigued by this visual representation of time! I absolutely love this work, and I love the idea that her "real life" invisibly occupies the space hanging over and above the work. It makes me think of myself and all of the other busy women out there who are struggling with how to best use their time in this frantic world.
How much free time do you have? Are you filling it up with things that matter to you? Do you just think you have no free time but you actually do? How do you really want to use it?
I think a lot of us have more free time then we actually think. I did a “turn off the TV” month, and really was amazed with how much free time I really did have…. now if only I had the strength to do a “turn off the computer day”
I love to fill up my free time playing with my daughter, watching movies, and going out to eat.
This is a fascinating study. I think it’s also worth note the power of visuals. With this as an example, until we “see it” its difficult for most to comprehend it. And likewise as it applies to home organization, “if we don’t see it” we don’t have to address it.
And… I think it’s pretty cool that you took your kids to a museum of modern art.