"The True Artist Helps the World by Revealing Mystic Truths" 1967

This next artwork of Nauman's was created in the beginning of his neon phenomenon. Sticking with a theme, it is made from neon tubing and clear glass tubing suspension frame. The words read "The true artist helps the world by revealing mystic truths" in a light blue neon light. The words are surrounded by a red florescent light forming the shape of a spiral. The phrase itself is something that mainly only artists can understand, for they have no fear of revealing anything. In a way, the work can act as a means of communication for artists everywhere.



I think The True Artist Helps the World b Revealing Mystic Truths is a very attractive piece of artwork. I know I'm no artist, but these words make me understand more what artists feel when they're creating their masterpieces. Also I see where it would be an influence to other artists. I like that Nauman uses the word "mystic" because its ambiguous as to what he's talking about. With this word he could be taking about anything spiritual, mysterious, natural, or of any other significance. I also like that he uses the contrasting colors of red and blue. These colors make it easy for the viewer to read the words, even though they are in cursive.

As far as a comparing identity to any other artworks, nobody other artist comes to mind except Bruce Nauman himself. Nauman's neon artworks have captured my attention in a way that no other artist has. This piece just reminds me of his other popular neon works such as None Sing Neon Sign and One Hundred Live and Die. However, it does make me appreciate artists and what they create because it can really make an inartistic person think.


Bibliography:
http://www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/31965.html
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-et-nauman10-2008jun10,0,383011.story