Xu Bing. "Background Story 6." Wood and tempered glass, lightbox, natural debris. 2010 @ the MAD Museum.

As I walked through the pearly white staircase of the MAD Museum to see the “Dead or Alive: Nature Becomes Art” exhibition, I expected to see a display full of zombies, cowboys, or some strange combination of the two.  I must say I was pleasantly surprised when I found the presentation to be made of thought-provoking art rather than an undead version of a Country Western.  Needless to say, the “Dead or Alive” exhibit at the MAD Museum wasn’t anything like I expected.

The first piece that caught my eye was Jennifer Angus’s “Victorian Fancy.” Upon first glace, it simply looks like a life-size wooden dollhouse.  But when you step closer and look inside one of the small windows, you see something quite surprising: an array of various insect carcasses, some plastered on the wall, some flying in the air, and some even sitting and enjoying a nice cup of tea.  Another piece, Tessa Farmer’s “Marauding Horde,” also incorporates the use of dead bugs.  This time, however, the artist suspends the insect remains from the ceiling, giving the viewer a bit of an eerie feeling, almost like they’re in the middle of a huge swarm.

I found the most memorable work to be Xu Bing’s “Background Story 6.”  It is a modern rendering of a traditional Chinese landscape.  You can see how Bing effortlessly captures the beauty and elegance of ancient Chinese art.  The best thing about the piece is the fact that it is made from natural debris like twigs, grass, and dirt.  I find it truly amazing that an artist can create something so unique and stunning with the natural resources around him.

This exhibit is about more than just the spectacular visuals; it’s about the meaning behind the art.  When you look at the works, you can’t help but analyze them and think about what the artist is trying to say.  I think the one message all the artists have in common is clear: great art and inspiration can come from the most unlikely places, whether it be a dead cockroach or an ordinary pile of leaves on the ground.