Tezos

Banana Equivalent Dose

Creator

tz1aNdPEPPUd8rZYH7V64cAiewxsQ2bySzZf

Description

Ralph Steadman is hugely influenced by Dada hero, Marcel Duchamp. Duchamp rejected the concept of ‘retinal” art, like the art of fellow artist’, Henri Matisse, which he saw as only seeking to please the eye. Duchamp wanted to serve the mind. Dada advocated for the absurd, illogical and non-sensical, and challenged the establishment on what constituted art. Duchamp famously submitted a urinal to the Society of Independent Artist’s exhibition in 1917, entitled Fountain. It was rejected, but history had been made and the meaning of art would forever change. There is certainly something of the absurd in this artwork by Ralph Steadman. It features his usual splats and blots in abundance and employs one of his favourite methods: collage. The title of the piece refers to an informal unit of measurement of ionising radiation exposure. Although seemingly absurd, it is true, nonetheless, that bananas contain naturally occurring radioactive isotopes. The radiation exposure from consuming a banana is approximately 1% of the average daily exposure to radiation, which is 100 banana equivalent doses (BED). It has been found to be a useful tool in informing the public about relative radiation risks. Here we can enjoy the exposure of the absurdity of life creeping into even the most serious of scientific phenomena. Ink and collage on paper, 2007 6979 by 4944 png

Traits

Tag

ralphsteadman

Tag

huntersthompson

Tag

gonzo