Installation View: Manière Noire, Berlin, Germany | Exhibition: MAKEARTHISTORY (2015)

The Agony And The Ecstasy

Format: Human lacrimal fluid, vials, labels with text, glass shelf
Date: 2015 –
Tears of Sorrow (19.08.2010) / Tears of Joy (21.02.2014)
Dimensions: 60cm x 60cm x 9cm (Framed)
Edition: Unique


“The Agony And The Ecstasy, consists of the artist’s tears contained in two separate vials, collected while he was experiencing the polar opposite states of overwhelming sorrow and joy. Although tears can carry a microcosm of the collective human experience, contrasting the expressionistic title, the clinical format suggests an unattainability to really understand or to grapple towards the ultimate depths of another human being. Almost identical in composition, the tears of sorrow and tears of joy are molecularly very different due to the dissimilar chemicals released whilst experiencing the extreme psychological states. Presented in the most factual way, all emotional context and narrative has been replaced with dry conceptualism.”

Exhibition Text: MAKEARTHISTORY Maurice Doherty | Manière Noire, Berlin, Germany (2015)

Detail: Tears of Sorrow (19.08.2010) – The Agony And The Ecstasy (2015)

Detail: Tears of Joy (21.02.2014) – The Agony And The Ecstasy (2015)