I've just spent a few minutes inside the void of Miroslaw Balka's How It Is at Tate Modern. Physically massive and obviously a feat of engineering, the concept is deceptively simple - a big, black lined tank that you walk into. It's amazing how effectively the structure cuts out the light and even the few people ignoring the signs whose faces were illuminated by their mobile phone screens just proved how the void seems to eat light.
Once the curator had kindly asked people to turn off their phones, the primal nature of the darkness became obvious. We are so used to partial darkness and our eyes adjusting to be able to see something it is truly unnerving to face genuine pitch black and literally not be able to see one's hand in front of one's face. With visual stimuli removed, you listen for every sound and imagination starts to take control - are there steps? Doors? Is that a wall or another visitor? What could happen in a space like this? What has happened in the darkest parts of our collective imagination or history?
Turning back toward the entrance reveals much and re-entering has far less impact than your first tentative steps into the unknown. Take the time to explore the space physically and mentally to fully experience this work.
You can get a taste online but if you are in London I'd really recommend a visit to the real thing.
one word review :: unnerving
