SIGNS OF THE TIMES

It's funny what you see when you're out looking for nothing.
For the first time in a long time- I spent a good time this summer taking serious time out.
On holiday- with no real agenda, no M.O. Straight coasting... between coast lines, playing quick draw with an iphone camera.
 
Something kept catching my eye. It's something i've seen and snapped before, although now, it seems to be everywhere I look.
Big signs- saying nothing. Talking loud and saying nothing. Set scenes, surfaces awaiting some substance.
Hilarious, the engineering, or often lack thereof. The structural integrity behind the signs, sometimes such seemingly unnecessary complex design.

I love the surfaces, so rarely pristine, more often so flawed; from the message before- or the buff.
These created scenes, sets, intending to convey some preconceived message, stand
Still, like empty stages- all lit up, without players, nothings playing- no talent casted,
these spaces seem wasted- brimming with untapped potential...
The medium is missing direction.

This is an interest in aesthetics and what a structure might represent,
Observation leads in (somewhat obscure) consideration.
What goes on behind that scene- the decisions left pending- allowing for forums to be left so empty.
Is it 'the man' his short hands and deep pockets- is it the state of the world- these blank slates are cut corners,
Or is it quite simply just nicer?

I know this brilliant young artist- he constructs similar works, and I've tried and failed to entirely understand them.
From a sculptural perspective- assessing a similar structure, but on a level more in tune with domestics,
Standing eye to beam with a billboard, rather than a dizzying height- the intention is not clear or commercial.

To me, the message is absent- the content is void- and the invitation defers to exclusion.
A ground for a sales pitch becomes a line you can't cross- and on four sides an area you can't enter.

I can't pretend to understand the intention of any man other than myself,
but the fascination I find in these empty signs of the times, although a little peculiar
could co-exist with the mind frame of a few. Blaine Western- I'm looking at you.