Denis: Container of nothing but darkness

Oct 20 2009 By Denis Kilcommons

THE latest work of art to go on show at the Tate Modern in London is a steel container that is 50ft high and 40ft long and contains nothing but darkness. People walk in one side, feel their way through nothingness and emerge on the other side.

Polish artist Miroslaw Balka is the bloke responsible, but is it really art? I think it’s a load of codswallop and besides, as a concept, it’s not even new.

My wife Maria and I experienced similar sensory deprivation in Hull.

And no, I am not about to make fun of the East Coast port with tales of its cultural wilderness because it was, when we were there, a fine city that combined a great heritage with a vibrant old town bar and café society.

We went for the weekend to visit its Victorian toilets at the pier and beneath the statue of King Billy. Well, we were there for other things as well, but the lavs were a highlight. They have been maintained with loving care and coach parties have been known to pull up outside so that trippers can marvel as well as use the elegant marble and brass facilities.

We also went to the Streetlife Museum of Transport (and yes, you are quite right, I know how to show a girl a good time) which is where we encountered a possible forerunner of Mr Balka’s black box.

It was the mock-up of a coach from the days before railways and motor cars. We climbed inside and, once the door was shut, the darkness was total.

“Is that your hand on my leg?” Maria asked.

“I hope so. There’s only the two of us in here.”