“The Way We Live Now” Explores Contemporary Existentialism and Social Commentary Through Vibrant Multimedia

Sculptor, filmmaker, and installation artist Simon Starling first gained recognition in the early 2000s for his intricately crafted works that interrogate the relationship between art, object, and history. His practice often involves a meticulous process of transformation and repurposing, breathing new life into seemingly mundane objects and imbuing them with profound meaning.

“The Way We Live Now,” a sprawling multimedia installation created in 2007, stands as a testament to Starling’s conceptual prowess and his ability to weave together disparate elements into a cohesive and thought-provoking narrative. This work embodies the artist’s signature style: meticulous craftsmanship meets intellectual inquiry, resulting in an experience that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.

The installation occupies an entire gallery space, transforming it into an immersive environment that invites contemplation and reflection. At its core are three distinct yet interconnected components: a life-size replica of a 19th-century English canal boat, meticulously constructed from salvaged materials; a series of large-scale photographic prints documenting the boat’s journey along the Bridgewater Canal in northwest England; and a soundtrack composed of ambient soundscapes punctuated by excerpts from literary works exploring themes of industrialization, social change, and human alienation.

The canal boat, titled “The Unseen,” serves as the central protagonist of the installation. Its weathered exterior and painstakingly recreated interiors evoke a sense of history and nostalgia, reminding us of a bygone era when canals were the arteries of commerce and industry. Yet, the boat’s name, “The Unseen,” suggests a deeper meaning, hinting at the unseen forces that shape our lives – the social, economic, and political structures that often go unnoticed yet exert profound influence on our experiences.

Starling meticulously documented the boat’s journey along the Bridgewater Canal through a series of large-format photographs. These images capture the boat navigating the tranquil waterways, juxtaposed against the backdrop of industrial landscapes and modern urban environments. The juxtaposition highlights the stark contrast between the past and present, between the romanticism of canal life and the realities of contemporary society.

The installation’s soundtrack further enhances the viewer’s experience. Composed of ethereal ambient sounds interspersed with readings from texts by authors such as Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, and Karl Marx, the soundtrack adds another layer of meaning to the work. The selections reflect on themes of industrialization, social inequality, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

By weaving together these diverse elements – sculpture, photography, sound, and literature – Starling creates an immersive experience that encourages viewers to contemplate their own place in the world. “The Way We Live Now” raises questions about progress, consumerism, and the relationship between individual agency and societal structures. It invites us to reflect on how the past informs the present, and how we might navigate the complexities of contemporary life.

The installation’s title itself is a deliberate allusion to Anthony Trollope’s 19th-century novel of the same name. In Trollope’s work, the phrase “The Way We Live Now” refers to the social and moral dilemmas faced by Victorian society during a period of rapid industrialization and societal transformation. Starling draws a parallel between Trollope’s era and our own, suggesting that many of the issues raised in the novel remain relevant today.

“The Unseen,” the canal boat replica at the heart of the installation, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the individual navigating the complexities of modern life. Just as the boat travels along a predetermined waterway, so too are we often constrained by social norms and expectations. Yet, Starling suggests that there is always the potential for deviation, for forging our own paths despite the limitations imposed upon us.

Beyond Representation: Unveiling the Conceptual Layers in “The Way We Live Now”

While “The Way We Live Now” is visually striking, its true power lies in its conceptual depth. Starling’s work transcends mere representation, inviting viewers to engage with complex ideas about history, society, and the human condition.

• Transformation and Reinterpretation: Starling frequently employs a process of transformation and repurposing in his art. In “The Way We Live Now,” he takes a seemingly ordinary object – a canal boat – and imbues it with new meaning through careful reconstruction and contextualization. This act of reinterpretation highlights the fluidity of meaning and how objects can be imbued with different significance depending on their context.

• Historical Consciousness: The installation’s setting along the Bridgewater Canal is not arbitrary. This historic waterway played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, connecting Manchester to the coalfields and contributing to the city’s rise as an industrial powerhouse. By referencing this historical location, Starling draws attention to the enduring legacy of industrialization and its impact on society.

• Social Commentary: Through the juxtapositions of past and present, traditional craftsmanship and contemporary art practices, Starling’s work raises questions about social change, progress, and the human cost of modernization. The installation prompts viewers to consider how historical forces continue to shape our lives and how we might navigate the complexities of contemporary society.

“The Way We Live Now” is not simply a collection of objects; it is an experience designed to provoke thought and inspire dialogue. It invites us to reflect on our own relationship with history, society, and the world around us, reminding us that art has the power to illuminate both the beauty and the complexities of the human condition.