Felix Gonzalez-Torres was born on the 26th if November 1957 in Cuba and died on the 9th of January 1996 in Miami.
“Perfect livers” is an installation of two identical battery operated clocks which are synchronised and hung side by side on white wall. Gonzalez was known for his work having strong personal and political meanings and this piece has no exemption. The viewers opinion of their piece changes when you find out the meaning behind it. Gonzalez creates this installation when his partner Ross Laycock was dying of AIDS.
Eventually one of the clocks would start to fall out of synch and would finally stop. However it is essential to the work that the clocks can be reset therefore the work is infinite just like his love for Ross.
Gonzalez state’s that time is something which used to scare him and this piece was the scariest piece he ever made. It was challenge he gave him self and wanted to face time head on.
What does it stand for?
Gonzalez loved having multiple meanings in his work. The piece reflects his homosexual relationship with Ross and how the clocks stand in replace of their bodies and how the synchronised ticking of the clocks is a metaphor of love.
Gonzalez avoided being labels as a “gay artist” At that time it was easier to show to clocks side by side than two men kissing as you couldn’t get in trouble for just clocks. Congress men couldn’t start a fight over money going to promote homosexual art when all to show it two clocks which makes the piece very clever and powerful.
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