No Man's Land

Boltanskis’ Art “No Mans Land” is the most ambitious piece in the US to date. Incorporating 30 tons of discarded clothing, a 60-foot crane and the sound of human heartbeats, the installation offers an unforgettable and deeply moving experience by one of today’s most important artists. He filled the hall/place with thousands of shoes and second clothes. This piece really emotional because its a reminder of the holocaust and how it represents what was left behind after all the jewish people where murdered by Nazis. Also this piece interests me because it shows how many lives where taken out of spite.

In 2010 people where invited from all around the world to record their heartbeats. They were used to expand his collection of heartbeats. I feel Boltanski did this to create a bigger presence of the Jewish community and to emphasise on the lives lost.

Using discarded clothing symbolises humans, Boltanski states that is,

“the most brutal losses for mankind: the loss of identity, individuality and memories."

This piece is perceptual, it represents an idea of memory and emotion. So many Jews were murdered and these recycled clothes and shoes represent what was left behind. Boltanski stated “You are going to have some smell”. This piece is emotional because when you think of how many people lost their lives because they were Jewish, it brings a tear to the eye. Not some, but it should for all that have a soul. Also I feel this piece has some culture behind it as they were discriminated and killed because of it.