Inspired by the painting "The Oath of the Horatii", by Jacques-Louis David, Tang Da Wu created this installation by inserting three saws into a brick balancing precariously off the edge of a steel table.
Depicting three brothers saluting towards three swords held up by their father while a group of women behind him weep, "The Oath of the Horatii' portrays the three Horatii brothers being called upon to represent Rome in a fight against Alba in their conflict. Tang is most interested in the ideals presented by the painting regarding the sacrifice of personal interests for a larger goal, and his work is an embodiment of his lifelong dedication to Art.
The three saws directly reference the three swords, and together with the brick signify the tools and materials he use for artmaking. The precariousness of the installation symbolises the conditions that artists have to endure through in their commitment to their practice.
Detail pictures: