David ?ernư caused a stir in Brussels last week when his new work, Entropa was unveiled. The work, commissioned by the Czech government to mark its presidency, cost about 300 000 GBP (which he has promised to return) and was meant to have been a collaborative work between ?ernư and an artist from the other 26 countries. In fact, the 256 square meter sculpture, which resembles a large kit model with each member state as a piece, was done by the artist and two friends.
I'm in two minds about it. On one hand the representation of Europe as a model yet to be assembled is a witty and potent comment on how many people view the European Union. Without geography, the union is a fractious entity in which each member pursues its own ends. However, ?ernư's representation of the member states is unlikely to foster transcontinental brotherhood, which is where I have misgivings about the piece.
Each nation is represented by some popularly held stereotype. Romania is a Dracula theme park; Italy is a nation of soccer ball fuckers; France is shut because of a strike, and the most famous - Bulgaria is a series of Turkish toilets. But not even this is the problem.
By not holding back in his representation of many countries, ?ernư has highlighted the mutual antagonism that pervades Europe. If only his cynicism had been more evenly distributed. If Bulgaria is represented by its sewerage why not have the Czech Republic represented as a nation wide brothel or a series of sex shops or the set of a pornographic film - all major contributors to the country's economy. Instead, an LED screen flashes up controversial quotes by president Klaus. I know which representation would offend the Czechs more.
Then there's the total absence of the United Kingdom. The UK is the missing piece of the puzzle. Michael Archer in the Guardian says that it is a perfect representation of "four decades of whingeing, carping, fence-sitting and back-turning" that have characterised British membership. However, I think that most British people would be quite happy to have been left out of such a loathsome group of nations.
I think ?ernư's decision to leave out Britain was more calculated. He knows where the main market for modern art is. The piper's played, now he's just going to wait for an even bigger cheque.
While i'm a fan of modern art (especially modern art installations), my biggest problem with Entropa is that its so aesthetically unappealing. Also, while I have no problem with controversy in art, the fact that its an official government sponsored work makes the stereotypes in bad taste.