Lot 356 | You belong here

STRACHAN, TAVARES
1979 Nassau (The Bahamas)

Title: You belong here.
Date: 2012.
Technique: White neon tubes on black panel, transformer and cable.
Measurement: Panel: 66 x 165 x 16cm.


This luminous object is fully functional. It originates from an edition of nine plus two artist's proofs.

Provenance:
- Anthony Meier Fine Arts, San Francisco
- Private collection (purchased from the owner named above)
- Christie's, London, auction 8.3.2017, lot 309

Taveres Strachan was born in Nassau, Bahamas. At the College of the Bahamas, he obtained his degree as a painter. In 2000 Strachan moved to the USA and shifted his focus to sculpture. In 2006, his academic education ended with a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from Yale University.

The white neon work "You belong here" seems uncomplicated and straightforward, but the simple core statement "You belong here" has many facets. It is particularly the question of cultural identity that Strachan puts the focus on here. In the context of contemporary history, the statement "You belong here" is to be understood as a confirmation of a spirit plagued by self-doubt. It is an offer to the viewer, because it opens up the possibility of diverse interpretations: As a clear counter-statement it can reject the uncertainties caused by society. But it can also be understood in its negative, limiting nature. In the same way, it can be perceived as a provocation for those people who believe themselves to be in the wrong place. Or it can be perceived as encouragement and a call to action by those people who want to defy self-imposed limits.
One thing is certain, Strachan's minimalist works offer great scope for interpretation. With captivating clarity in bright and unmistakable signal colours, he makes a statement against exclusion and for the new global mobility in the 21st century with "You belong here".