Lucy Mercer publishes poem responding to Mika Tajima's 'Art d'Ameublement' paintings

Lucy Mercer has written a poem titled 'art d'ameublement' in response to Mika Tajima's ongoing series 'Art d'Ameublement' (2011–24). The poem appears in ArtReview's monthly feature showcasing original poetry inspired by contemporary artworks. Mercer's work engages with Tajima's exploration of sensory experience through painting, sculpture, and spatial interventions. Tajima's series references Erik Satie's 1917 concept of 'furniture music,' with each painting subtitled by geographic location. The artworks feature spray paint condensed beneath transparent acrylic layers, creating preserved pigment effects. Mercer's poem reflects on themes of surveillance, spectacle, and artificial environments, mentioning Phoenix, American hawks, saguaro cactuses, and hotel television imagery. The poet's first collection 'Emblem' (Prototype, 2022) was a Poetry Book Society Choice, and her nonfiction essay 'Afterlife' is forthcoming from Fitzcarraldo Editions. Tajima's paintings initially appear as abstract mood tones but reveal toxic, artificial qualities when considered alongside their assigned locales. The poem moves through temporal shifts from sunset to winter, contemplating surfaces, forbidden movements, and shared knowledge. Mercer's work continues ArtReview's monthly poetry series that pairs writers with specific contemporary art pieces for creative response.