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Elmgreen & Dragset
Inside / Powerless Structures, Fig. 334, 2003

Installation view: THIS IS NOT FOR YOU, Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, Vienna, Austria, 2006-2007

Photo: Michael Strasser, 2006 | © Bildrecht, Vienna, 2017

Michael Elmgreen

Elmgreen & Dragset

Collection

Installation, wax head, metal door with peephole, metal bars, LED light
Overall installation approx. 280 x 121.5 x 80 cm

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.

Michael Elmgreen: *1961 in Copenhagen, Denmark | Living and working in Berlin, Germany
Ingar Dragset: *1969 in Trondheim, Norway | Living and working in Berlin, Germany

Artist's Website

http://elmgreen-dragset.com/studioberlin/_.html

Artists' Website

http://elmgreen-dragset.com/

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