Mike Nelson, Coral Reef, 2000
Whilst at the Tate Britain I went to see Mike Nelson’s Coral Reef, a work made in 2000 and originally seen at Matt’s Gallery now re-commissioned for the Tate Britain. I knew nothing about the work, but was intrigued because I like Nelson’s art (not to mention he’s hot – we met once at a wedding and I’ve been charmed since!). Anyway, I digress...
You enter an unassuming door, just right off Fiona Banner’s planes, and within seconds I’d forgotten that I was in an art gallery on a Tuesday, mid afternoon. Rather, I was alone investigating a post apocalyptic Lynchian world. My heart quickened and as I tentatively passed from one vacant antechamber to another I was immersed in a foggy environment heavy with the suggestion of narcotics, religion and porn; where night watchmen, cab drivers and junkies had all vanished just before sun rise. Nature didn't know this place, even any trace of humanity was most certainly ill at ease. So convincing was his composition of objects, workmanship, lighting and use of space, the affect of the work left the air singed with a mix of anxiety and anaesthesia and clung to my skin long after I left this impious space.
Interview with Nelson about the work: