Meet the Elephant in McCarren Park Pool

Yesterday Javier Téllez brought some wildlife to McCarren Park Pool for a new project based on the blind men and the elephant. Beulah (pictured) is apparently "39 years old and loves gumdrops, apples and empty pools," not unlike many Greenpoint/Williamsburg residents (though a tad older). NYC Art in the Parks has more info on the Creative Time project:

Javier Téllez, Games are Forbidden in the Labyrinth
November 2007
McCarren Pool, Brooklyn

Artist Javier Téllez brings the ancient parable of the ‘Blind Men and the Elephant’ to life. In keeping with various versions of the tale, from a Buddhist fable to the 19th Century poem by the writer John Godfrey Saxe, six visually impaired people will touch a different part of an elephant, just one part, and then describe the experience. Their responses illustrate how reality and understanding are shaped by perspective and the relativity of absolute truth.

Téllez’s action will take place on a closed set where it will be filmed and screened for the public at a later date. Games are Forbidden in the Labyrinth is the final project of Creative Time’s ‘Six Actions for New York City,’ co-curated by Mark Beasley and David Platzker.

Check out more photos here.

Photo via f.trainer's flickr.

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By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on November 12, 2007 5:26 PM

Comments [rss]

azanaku

In this day and age it's pretty shocking that people just ignore the elephant. Maybe a blind elephant touching people would be more interesting, instead of the same old animal abuse for cinematic glory. John Ford's films killed many horses, the list is long. On film sets these days you must have an observer from the ASPCA. Wonder if the "artist" bothered. I say for shame. Artist are supposed to be more awake and engaged in the world as we know it. I guess Mr.Tellez just isn't quite there yet.

Reuben

If you go to the flickr link, above, you'll find some info on the elephant. I agree, she is the one we should be talking about!

She lives in a barn in Connecticut with 2 other elephants, and they spend their lives being carted around to give rides at fairs, or to do stuff like this film appearance - it's no life for an elephant, who should be walking for miles every day for her health, and who should be living with her mother and female relatives for her whole life. check out www.elephants.com.

maevemealone

Why does nobody talk about the elephant? Where does Beulah usually live? Who is her caretaker? None of the links mention the elephant.

Reality Czech

It's a mighty crazy thing to be walking to brunch at enid's on a Monday and seeing a elephant in the pool, I almost jumped out of my trustfunder pants!