Modern sculpture rarely surprises us any more. The idea that modern art can
only be seen in museums is mistaken. Even people who take no interest in art
cannot have failed to notice examples of modern sculpture on display in public
places. Strange forms stand in gardens, and outside buildings and shops. We
have got quite used to them. Some so-called 'modern' pieces have been on
display for nearly eighty years.#
In spite of this, some people - including myself - were surprise by a recent
exhibition of modern sculpture. The first thing I saw when I entered the art
gallery was a notice which said: 'Do not touch the exhibits. Some of them are
dangerous!' The objects on display were pieces of moving sculpture. Oddly
shaped forms that are suspended form the ceiling and move in response to a
gust of wind are quite familiar to everybody. These objects, however, were
different. Lined up against the wall, there were long thin wires attached to
metal spheres. The spheres had been magnetized and attracted or repelled each
other all the time. In the centre of the hall, there were a number of tall
structures which contained coloured lights. These lights flickered
continuously like traffic lights which have gone mad. Sparks were emitted from
small black boxes and red lamps flashed on and off angrily. It was rather like
an exhibition of prehistoric electronic equipment. These peculiar forms not
only seemed designed to shock people emotionally, but to give them electric
shocks as well!&