Spilled Candy by Felix Gonzalez-Torres, a Memorial to Love

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB

UNITED KINGDOM---Blain|Southern art gallery in London brings legendary Damien Hirst together with icon of "Queer Spirituality," Cuban-born Felix Gonzalez-Torres (1957-1996) in "Candy" (Oct. 16-Nov. 30). While Hirst's monumental works have been previously been featured on A&O, it's Gonzalez-Torrez "Untitled" (1992) that makes this a particularly noteworthy show for A&O readers. It's a unique sculpture made of candies individually wrapped in variously colored cellophan, and copiously piled in corners or spread across the floor. The installation changes, as does life with the space and time. The spilled candy is a metaphor, or religious memorial for the loss of his life-Partner Ross. Like the new film "Gravity" the work is also a message about survival, and learning to "let go."

BLAIN | SOUTHERN: "Candy: Felix Gonzalez-Torres | Damien Hirst," 4 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1BP; +44(0)20-7493-4492; blainsouthern.com.