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Inside / Powerless Structures, Fig. 334

Elmgreen & Dragset

Date
2003
Medium
Installation with wax head, metal door with peephole, metal bars, light bulb
Dimension
Ca. 280 x 121.5 x 80 cm
Credit

TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary Collection

This artwork is part of the donation and long-term loan from TBA21 to the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.

Details

Inside / Powerless Structures is an ongoing series of works, which the artists began in 1997. The sculptural elements induce perceptual disruptions in the “white cube”, hence opening new levels of meanings. Inside / Powerless Structures, Fig. 334 questions the terms "inside" and "outside" as absolute categories. An airtight prison door is incorporated into the wall of the exhibition space, through the scarcely lit opening, the visitor is observed by a prisoner – and vice versa. By means of such works, Elmgreen & Dragset pose basic questions regarding reception and acceptance. The installation is also a confirmation of the title of the series: structures without claim to power are vulnerable. Only in a subversive manner are they able to assume a new level of meaning. Powerless Structures is an ongoing series of works, which the artists began in 1997. The sculptural elements induce perceptual disruptions within the “white cube” space, thereby opening new levels of meaning.

Inside / Powerless Structures, Fig. 334 questions the terms "inside" and "outside" as absolute categories. An airtight prison door is incorporated into the wall of the exhibition space and through a scarcely lit opening, the visitor is observed by a prisoner and vice versa. With such works, Elmgreen & Dragset pose fundamental questions regarding reception and acceptance. Furthermore, the installation is a confirmation of the series’ title: structures without claim to power are vulnerable-only in a subversive manner are they able to assume a new level of meaning.

Artists

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