Roni Horn’s ‘Water’ at MCA Denver: Art for a Water-Stressed West

Denver and the wider American West face an unprecedented challenge: the driest conditions in a thousand years. Amidst urgent discussions about the future of the Colorado River, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver) offers a profoundly timely exhibition. “Water, Water on the Wall, You’re the Fairest of Them All,” by acclaimed artist Roni Horn, opened in September for a five-month run, providing a unique artistic lens on Earth’s most vital resource.

The Colorado River Crisis Through an Artist’s Eye

For visitors to MCA Denver, especially those living in the water-stressed West, this exhibition could not feel more timely. Federal deadlines are looming for the seven states of the Colorado River Basin to reach an agreement on how to divvy up the river’s increasingly shrinking waters. As state negotiators continue to trade proposals and “barbs” over who should bear the brunt of necessary cutbacks, Horn’s work transcends the often-stark “zero-sum logic” of Western water politics. It opens up space for a more nuanced and essential conversation about scarcity, value, and our relationship with this precious liquid.

Encountering “Water Double v. 2” and Beyond

The exhibition commences with a captivating display: “Water Double v. 2.” This prominent installation features a pair of solid glass cylinders, each weighing several tons and roughly the size of a carnival dunk tank. While identical in their monumental form, they diverge subtly in hue—one a deep blue, the other opaque black. The blue sculpture, with its frosted glass exterior, strikingly resembles a serene iceberg. This initial impression offers a “soothing thought” in a region perpetually battling drought, setting a reflective tone for the entire show. Horn’s deliberate choice to focus exclusively on water for the first time in her extensive career underscores the element’s profound impact and multifaceted nature.

Water as Identity, Water as Change

Roni Horn’s artistic practice often delves into themes of identity, landscape, and the transformative properties of materials. In “Water, Water on the Wall,” she applies this approach specifically to water, presenting it not merely as a resource but as a dynamic entity undergoing constant change. Through her pieces, Horn challenges viewers to consider water’s aesthetic qualities, its symbolic weight, and its inherent instability, mirroring the environmental flux we observe around us. This perspective encourages a dialogue that moves beyond mere consumption statistics, inviting a deeper, more philosophical engagement with water’s essence.

A Call for Nuance in Western Water Debates

In a landscape grappling with historic drought, where every decision regarding water allocation carries immense weight, Horn’s exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of water’s intrinsic value. By shifting the conversation from pure utility to artistic contemplation, MCA Denver and Horn inspire new ways of thinking about our environmental future. The show advocates for dialogue that embraces complexity and recognizes water’s role in our ecosystem, economy, and culture, offering a different kind of inspiration for the difficult choices facing the Colorado River Basin states.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the exhibition currently on display at MCA Denver?
  The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is currently hosting “Water, Water on the Wall, You’re the Fairest of Them All.”
• Who is the artist behind this exhibition?
  The featured artist is Roni Horn, known for her thought-provoking works exploring nature, identity, and materials.
• What is the core message of Horn’s “Water” exhibition?
  The exhibition considers water as a source of constant change and a critical, nuanced topic, especially relevant to the water-stressed American West.
• How long will the exhibition run?
  The exhibition, which opened in September, is a five-month engagement at MCA Denver.
• Why is this exhibition particularly relevant for Denver locals?
  Given the ongoing challenges with the Colorado River and historic drought in the American West, the exhibition offers a timely and artistic perspective on water scarcity and its broader implications.

“Water, Water on the Wall” is more than an art show; it’s an immersive experience for Denver residents, urging a thoughtful reflection on our most precious liquid. As the West navigates critical decisions, Horn’s work provides a compelling backdrop for contemplation and encourages a collective, imaginative approach to safeguarding our shared aquatic future.

Roni Horn Art Spotlights Western Water Crisis