Human/Need/Desire 1983

Bruce Nauman created this captivating neon sign installation, spelling out "Human," "Need," "Desire," "Dream," and "Hope." These words, glowing intensely, are not merely descriptions but symbols deeply rooted in the human psyche. Consider how "desire," for instance, echoes through history. From the ancient Greeks' Eros, a primal force of attraction and longing, to the courtly love of the troubadours, this concept has fueled art and literature across centuries. Yet, here it flickers in neon, a modern echo of an age-old theme. Looking closer, we may ask ourselves, why neon? The cold, stark light contrasts with the warmth the words themselves invoke, highlighting the tension between aspiration and reality. This tension, a hallmark of the human condition, reverberates within us, stirring a potent cocktail of hope and despair. It's a subconscious recognition of the cyclical nature of human experience, a reminder that our aspirations are often intertwined with our limitations.