Tate Modern II

5th July 2009- Sunday

Being one of the Tate Locals, we were fortunate to be given free tickets to participate in the open day on the transformation of the Tate Modern II.

This visit was certainly not any normal visits. Armed with fluorescent jackets and hard security hats, we were given the privilege to explore the underground of the upcoming Tate Modern II. Instead of exploring the galleries or watching films, we toured the oil tanks. Yes, you didn't hear me wrong. We went to the OIL TANKS which were situated under the current Tate Modern. How irony!


The Tate Modern II would rise from the three underground empty, large oil tanks. We were given a short briefing about the place and eventually the freedom to roam, sing (and hear the echo of our voices), dance, touch, jump, smell and feel the atmosphere in the oil tanks. The place did pose as an abandon power station or refinery, with the chilly and eerie surroundings. Nonetheless, the spaces offered are enormous. The tour was really educational, rare and worthwhile. I felt really fortunate for being so close up with this upcoming renowned building which is planned to be completed in 2012, in time for the London Olympics. Well, the oil tanks would be the 'heart' of the Tate Modern II.


For record purposes, the visits to the oil tanks have suggested some strange responses. Amongst them are the ideas of converting the space to swimming pools and dance floors. Some even suggested films projections over the wall (I would add- perhaps with the home theatre effect?). Meanwhile one visitor suggested to retain the 'raw' experience on the previous power station operations. Perhaps I can add on idea of building a gym in there, considering the huge space and imagining the locals exercising in the building:). Well, it can be a source of income to Tate Modern II by charging a minimal fee to the gym members which could actually contribute to the maintenance of the building whilst servicing the locals/ professionals living and working around the area. I would also love to see free spaces for young artists and/or photographers to exhibit their works freely. It would also be interesting to have a space for young professional artists to perform in order to help promote talents to the audiences. I am an art lover, hence having such opportunities to uplift any artistic talents of both young and old in UK and around the world, would be great!


From the body of the building, this compactly designed architecture would have 11 levels which offers 60% more space for exhibition, performances, workshops and other activities. Interestingly, the new building reflects a combination of two geometrical shapes namely rectangles and triangles. Given such a contrasting blend of shapes, along with the planned landscapes, the Tate Modern II hopes to provide the genuine 'green space' for art lovers and the local communities. Also, strategically situated by the Thames River, Tate Modern II would be an ideal place for relaxation and learning. As if the Tate Modern II is not environmental friendly enough with the high profile landscapes, the building per se is designed to consume 54% less enery and 44% less carbon the current building regulations limits.


After visiting the undergaround oil tanks and considering the positive impact that Tate Modern II could bring, in my opinion, I do see great potential in this project.

By the way, we were also given free tickets to "Futurism" and the "Per Kirkeby" exhibitions which would normally cost patrons 20 quid for two separate tickets. We nevertheless visited and enjoyed the two art explorations. It was indeed a great day to close the week! For a moment, I felt locally 'Tate'.

NOTE:
1) Photos taken are only for personal usage and not for any commercial purposes.
2) Some of the information on the Tate Modern II are based on the author's observations, visits and reading through the "Modern Tate & You"- Bankside News & Views, Summer Edition 2009