Or: Across the digital divide on a plank of wood.

I would buy some of Robert Steng’s work if it would fit into any of my apartments. Yes, I occupy two apartments but the problem with Steng’s work is not the size.

Yesterday at the opening of “D.O.A. – Dreaming of Africa” at the Dorten Haus in Stuttgart (link), I made an experience that might be known to collectors. I had the sense that the exhibited works were made to be presented in that space and that they would lose their power outside. Since my spaces are different, I’m afraid they wouldn’t have any power in them. And yes, I’m still looking for things I want to live with …

I like Steng’s work because it is clean and dirty at the same time. Craftsmanship, symmetry and concept applied to found and sometimes worn out woodwork. The mixture appeals to me a lot.

The two curators of the space, Anne-Sofie Ruckhaberle and Philipp Ziegler (the young man in the dark blue shirt) managed to create an exhibition that perfectly fit into the rather awkward space. As if Steng had produced the artworks out of scrap material from the venue.

I assume it is the curatorial quality that shapes a gallery’s profile. What artworks are being selected for that specific space, a space that extends beyond the walls or building of the gallery. I discussed this topic briefly with Philipp, to see if my assumptions were realistic and mentioned the project “Curate This!” by New Orleans based Beca Gallery. They ask “the world” to curate their next show.

Like me, he liked the basic approach (although he agreed that as a gallery he would never do that). Like me, he questions the qualitative outcome of an adventure, where there is no curator to shape the profile of an exhibition space.

I took part in their experiment anyway and I’m very curious which artists make it into the top 10. Have a look here to see for yourself.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 19th, 2008 at 2:58 pm and is filed under Event Report.