Mungo Thomson
My Name as Written by Bruce Nauman
Mungo Thomson’s neon sculpture My Name as Written by Bruce Nauman is a conceptual artwork that delves into identity, authorship, and artistic influence. The piece features Thomson’s name rendered in the distinctive handwriting style of renowned artist Bruce Nauman, known for his explorations of language and meaning. This simple yet profound gesture raises questions about the nature of self-representation and the impact of artistic legacy. By having his name written by Nauman, Thomson blurs the lines between his own identity and the influence of a prominent figure in contemporary art, creating a layered dialogue about originality and homage. The artwork challenges viewers to consider the significance of an artist’s name and signature as a marker of identity and authenticity. Through this interplay of text and authorship, Thomson engages with broader themes of artistic creation and the intertextual relationships that shape the art world.