The exhibition Skin Fruit: Selections from the Dakis Joannou Collection, curated by Jeff Koons and on view at the New Museum from March 3 until June 6, is very interesting and relatable in many ways.  Though many would argue about the message the artists were trying to send, when I walked in and looked at the art, all I saw was depression and loneliness. But for some reason I liked it.

When I looked at a piece by Andro Wekua, which was a man with no genitals sitting ina box full of colors and no space, I got the feeling of isolation, boredom, and loneliness.  It reminded me of a man who was unsure of his sexuality.  He didn’t know whether he wanted a penis or vagina, or whether he was gay or straight.  The colors on the box showed that a lot of people are closed-minded, and he probably feels isolated due to this.  I can’t relate to this personally but I still was able to feel his pain and I knowa lot of other people that probably were in the same situation could relate to him.

Many of the pieces were somewhat like Andro Wekua’s.  Another example of this was apiece by Maurizio Cattelan called “Mother.”  It shows hands emerging from undergroundpraying.  All you see is the sand and that there is someone down there buried in thedark, probably alone, calling out for help, but they are in the middle of nowhere, whereno one can see or help them.  This for sure is a piece many people can relate to, even me at times.  Almost every piece in this exhibition has the same meaning behind it.

When you can relate to an art piece and question the message, it’s good art.  If you are someone who is depressed and you want to feel welcomed somewhere, Skin Fruit is the exhibition for you.  You will realize that you are not alone in this world and alot of people feel like you.