As you explore the AGO, you may notice strange sounds emanating from one of the contemporary elevators just west of the Tanenbaum Atrium and of the Grange entrance (hang a right at the bird man). Don’t be afraid, it’s actually a video work by Vera Frenkel, one of Canada’s most renowned multidisciplinary artists. In this work, titled “This is your Messiah Speaking Frenkel” proposes consumerism as a religion and the mass media as its preacher. In the video, she speaks about the media as a powerful and zealous leader worshipped by faithful consumers while a woman translates her message into American Sign Language. This work certainly hits home these days as the worldwide financial crisis and society’s dependence on debt dominates the news.
Frenkel’s engagement with social issues is also evident in her work as a passionate advocate for artists. Since the 1960s she has eloquently argued for increased funding, support and respect for her fellow artists.
And yes, I shamelessly stole the title of this posting from that new Lily Allen song, The Fear.