Topic > Anderson Art Gallery Review: Chandeliers

Located in the University at Buffalo Anderson Art Gallery is a sculpture made of chandeliers. The piece is titled Fathom and was created in 2017 by Kambui Olujimi. The materials used for the exhibited sculpture consist of chandeliers, rubber inner tubes, rope and wooden pallets. Typically hung overhead as decorative accents, chandeliers have always remained as emblems of wealth, class, and privilege due to their high costs that only the wealthiest people could afford to own. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Chandeliers are the first thing a person sees when entering a public place or home as they remain the primary lighting fixture not only due to simply working as a light source but also due to their ability to shine and shine regardless of whether the lights are on or off due to reflections on the glass. Olujimi, however, aimed to upset people's views of this symbolism by moving the lamps from their traditional surroundings and placing them on a structure consisting of a ramshackle wooden crate tied with rope to two rubber inner tubes. The true beauty of chandeliers emerges when the lights are turned on. In this structure all the lights are on, as if to symbolize the beauty of people who come together to progress towards a similar goal. The chandeliers can be seen as suggestive of human bodies huddled together on a makeshift flotation raft, much like those used by refugees undertaking perilous journeys across the seas. Fathom therefore indicates a political and moral crisis in this aspect. At a time when millions of vulnerable refugees desperately seek safety, extremely serious and harmful virulent hostility toward immigrants remains a growing force in many countries, including the United States. Despite the precarious position of continuing to be seen as human beings on a perilous journey, Olujimi's chandeliers also continue to be seen as dignified, operating not only as simple sources of illumination, but also as fragile sources of energy. Shining brightly from the ground, fallen crystals refracting dazzling light, this quietly profound installation touches on the impact of xenophobia, an intense and irrational fear of people and even intolerance towards them. Along with this idea, the piece alludes to the human tenacity needed to overcome social barriers and generate light from darkness. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Chandeliers were originally used in medieval abbeys and churches to expertly illuminate large rooms and halls. This is a fixture fixed to the ceiling that has approximately two or more arms that embrace the lights. Previously, the typical shape of a chandelier was that of a wooden cross equipped with spikes to secure it. Using the wooden pallet contrasted with the expensive chandeliers, it reminds the viewer of how times have changed over the centuries. Giving the sense of nostalgia of history, the work can also give another sense to the meaning of the exhibition by referring to the passage and change of objects over time..