From Sigmar Polke to Kevin Abosch and Agnès Varda, the most famous tuber in the world has become an object for artistic expression.
In art, as in life, beauty can also be found in the simplest things. Potatoes, a food we find on our dinner tables every day, have often been a source of inspiration for internationally famous artists who, with their unique vision and creativity, have turned this tuber into a symbol of depth and meaning.
In 1969, the German painter and photographer, Sigmar Polke unveiled a work of art in Germany that redefined our perception of potatoes. His creation entitled “Potato Machine” offers a deep, cosmic view of the potato (Source: Tate.org.uk). In this installation, a long wire thread is suspended from a high stool and connected to an electric motor. A potato is threaded onto its bottom end, which is slightly curved to the outside. When the wire rotates, the potato moves in a circular motion around the other potato on the floor. This simple yet fascinating mechanical device reflects the cycle of life on Earth, from the creation of potatoes in the ground to the Earth rotating itself around the Sun. Polke invites us to think about the connection between everyday life and the wider universe, while also showing how the most ordinary object can have deep meanings when seen through an artist’s eye.
In 2003, Agnès Varda unveiled "Patatutopia" at the Venice Biennale, a work of art that uses the potato as its centrepiece (Fonte: Nathalieobadia.com). This installation is formed of three large screens, arranged like three parts of a triptych, showing three video clips at the same time. The central screen shows a heart-shaped potato. The side panels show the various stages of “the ageing” of the tuber. Varda’s art invites us to see the potato not as a simple food, but rather as an element for reflection on our perception of time. In this context, the potato becomes a symbol for exploring the nature of human experience and the awareness of passing time, inviting viewers to contemplate the transformation of matter and the meaning of this decay in our perception of reality.
Lastly, the photographer, Kevin Abosch showed that beauty can also come from simplicity through the art of photography. His most famous work, "Potato #345 (2010)", is a photograph of a single potato (Source: Irishcentral.com). Featuring a black background and evocative lighting, this image has become iconic in the world of contemporary art due to its simplicity and detailed depiction of such a common object. It was purchased for 1 million dollars, therefore becoming one of the most expensive photographs ever sold.
Image: Canva
