Pages: 1 2

How can an exhibition be in two museums at once? We’re not talking about a digital piece or a film, but actual sculptures. If you’re an artist such as Cai Guo-Qiang, just make a copy. This is exactly what he did for his Inopportune: Stage One exhibit at the Guggenheim in New York. Well, I guess not exactly.

Interestingly enough, the work occupying the circular atrium of the Guggenheim is marketed and presented as if it is the actual exhibit showcased at the Seattle Art Museum. However, if we really read the credits of the work, which are sparse and seemingly covert, we will find the words “exhibition copy”. If the piece is not the actual work, why disguise it as such?

One major variation is in the actual exhibition design. This is started from the interior layout of the Seattle Art Museum and how it is much different than that of the Guggenheim. Whereas both share the high ceilings which allow for the exhibits placement, one covers a vast horizontal plane and the other circles a narrower vertical space. Although there is this main difference, it is easy to see why the copy can pass as the original.

Pages: 1 2