Present Tense at Hauser & Wirth Somerset
In this informal on‑site conversation, a group of five participants (A–E) walk through the "Present Tense" exhibition at Hauser & Wirth Somerset. They note that the show is a mixed collection of works from various galleries and independent artists, describing it as a "potpourri" rather than a cohesive curatorial statement. The dialogue quickly turns to broader concerns about contemporary art: the speakers question whether the notion of "newness" still holds any meaning, suggesting that few works feel truly groundbreaking today. They also critique the practice of art writing, calling it subjective and questioning its usefulness as a critical tool. One participant observes a prevailing "zeitgeist" in which many artists adopt similar approaches, implying a lack of diversity or innovation. The conversation ends with a light‑hearted, surface‑level comment about the exhibition's visual sheen. Throughout, the tone remains conversational and speculative, with a generally skeptical or ambivalent attitude toward the themes discussed.
