Dichotomy in our Own Backyard

Gudrun Lock offers a closer look at the Shoreham Yards of northeast Minneapolis

By: Matthew Zeichert

Overturned taxidermied animals, Post-it notes plastered to the wall, and Fruit of the Loom underwear? These are just some of the items that one will encounter upon viewing “The Nature of Shoreham Yards,” an exhibit currently on display at the newly reopened Weisman Art Museum until May 15, 2022. 

The art exhibit is envisioned by the artist Gudrun Lock, and people from all walks of life have contributed to Gudrun’s vision with their work and research. A quick look through the contributor list will reveal the likes of professor Stuart McLean, writer Miranda Trimmier, and community activist Jewell Arcoren, to name a few. All who participated in the curation of the artwork shared one thing in common: a desire to comment on the past, present, and future of Shoreham Yards. 

This was my first time in an art museum. Aside from watching a few “Great Art Explained” videos, I have no background in art history. That being said, I was entranced by the work that Lock and company had put together. Although there were numerous aspects of the exhibit that were impactful on an emotional level, I thought the art to be most eloquent when it displayed the effects of “economic growth” on the rapid environmental deterioration of the mighty Mississippi River. 

Not only were they able to comment on the environmental degradation occurring in Minnesota’s portion of the Mississippi River, but they were also able to showcase the constant battle between nature and industry. By showing disintegrated undergarments extracted from the Mississippi River, one immediately ponders why corporations favor economic growth over a clean water supply. An important feature of the exhibit is how the art encourages its viewers to post Post-it notes with questions or statements. I particularly enjoyed the Post-it notes written by grade school students since they spoke volumes about society’s current environmental crisis without even knowing it. After all, it will be the children who will bear the heavy burden caused by the misuse and negligence of natural resources. 

If you aren’t bombarded with homework already this semester, please do yourself a favor by going to the WAM to witness this great piece of art before it is no longer on display.