Sunday 3 June 2012

Tourists (1988)

'Tourists' is probably Hanson's most famous works and is really indicative of his ability to create extremely realistic sculptures. Again we see an engagement with obesity as part of American (and indeed the World's) culture and society. 

 Tourists is less overtly critical of obesity than 'Supermarket Shopper' but we are still made to engage with our own perceptions of obesity. With 'Tourists', Hanson isn't forcing us to either celebrate or be repulsed by obesity but instead appreciate the people behind the weight and understand that our initial reactions aren't necessarily true. Obesity is dangerous to an individuals health but it shouldn't control our opinions on a person. We must ask ourselves about the people we love and if they have weight issues? Obesity is unfortunately a major problem and as a result has become a key aspect of modern culture. Hanson wants us to delve deeper into both his work and the aspects of life his work represents. This is what makes him a truly great artist instead of just a great craftsman.

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