The Evolving Cube

Today’s conventions around presenting artworks in an exhibition remains largely unchanged since the emergence of the classical concept of the white cube in the 1930s. This relies on separating the spheres of art and its objects from the sphere of visitors and their bodies, by using specific elements of display. Informed by field research in various Associative Cultural Places in Paris, Fernand Bretillot’s installation challenges this passive and hierarchical experience through a performed activation that invites viewers to reconsider the visitor position in an exhibition. The installation might at first seem to be a traditional white cube, but is progressively disrupted by props and performers.