(Theoretically) destroying the museum



Samson
(1985) is an artwork by Chris Burden. In his words: “a museum installation consisting of a 100 ton jack connected to a gear box and a turnstile. The 100 ton jack pushes two large timbers against the bearing walls of the museum. Each visitor to the exhibition must pass through the turnstile in order to see the exhibition. Each input on the turnstile ever so slightly expands the jack, and ultimately, if enough people visit the exhibition, Samson could theoretically destroy the building. Like a glacier its powerful movement is imperceptible to the naked eye. This sculptural installation subverts the notion of the sanctity of the museum (the shed that houses art).”

video

[via today and tomorrow]

Post-Venice-Post

I’m back from Venice. This year’s Biennale is very light and easy to watch. I guess also easy to forget. Anyway, this is my “best of”:

Denmark + Nordic Countries Pavillion
Mexican Pavillion
Distortion exhibition
Catalunya Pavillion
Embassy of Piracy at Magazzini del Sale
Cile Pavillion
Austrian Pavillion
Mapping the Studio at Punta della Dogana
Unconditional Love (AES+F video)
Miranda July, Ceal Floyer, Lara Favaretto, Chu Yun, and a few other works I can’t remember at Arsenale

the official review is under construction but the photo-collection is already here