Ballet of the Woodpeckers 1986

Curator: Rebecca Horn's "Ballet of the Woodpeckers" at the Tate presents a fascinating interplay of mirrors, metal, and movement. Editor: The cool, repetitive geometry immediately strikes me. It feels like a dressing room, but also a psychological hall of mirrors. Curator: Precisely. The mirrors reflect and fragment the space, evoking themes of self-perception and identity. The "woodpeckers" are mechanized hammers that rhythmically strike the glass, creating a sense of unease. Editor: I'm thinking about how the metallic woodpeckers physically engage with the mirrors. The labor of the machine impacting the reflective surface, disrupting the idealized image. It's about force, and the potential for destruction. Curator: It also calls to mind the woodpecker’s symbolism: persistence, renewal, even a connection to ancient oracles who listened to the rhythms of nature. Editor: Interesting to consider that alongside the mechanics and manufactured materials, it is an odd coupling. Curator: Agreed, it creates a tension that lingers in your mind. Editor: Yes, the collision of industry and nature leaves you considering all of the possible meanings of the piece.