Hell Yeah We Fuck Die 2016

Hito Steyerl has created this provocative installation comprised of block letters and video screens. The materials here are deliberately low-key. The block letters appear to be made of lightweight construction material, and the screens are standard commercial products. It’s a far cry from traditional sculpture with bronze or marble. By using these materials, Steyerl brings into question the perceived distinction between high art and everyday life. But it’s not only the materials that are important. The message of the work is just as crucial. It speaks to the violence and disposability of modern life, all wrapped up in a darkly humorous package. The labor involved here isn't just the physical act of construction, but also the intellectual work of critiquing societal norms. The overall effect is a powerful statement about the world we live in, made all the more effective by the simplicity and directness of its materials and message. This piece invites us to consider the world around us, and our place in it.