The name is quite self explanatory. It is in fact a white cube on the inside. What it doesn’t quite communicate is the scale of this building. Very unassuming from the entrance to the building, I thought the place was maybe 1/100 the size it actually was. I haven’t yet, but probably will, take a look at the satellite footage to see whether the place is as big as I experienced it to be.
As a person known to research and read and plan, I think I surprise people by only doing just enough to decide that a building or space is worth the visit. Then I just stop- I feel like there’s a point where you can know too much and that spoils the first impression and self understanding process that can be incredibly rewarding. So to loop back here, I didn’t know what exhibit was on display, and yet like many other art institutions in London, I didn’t know it was free also.
Installations, especially in large format, are some of my favorite types of art to experience. In fact, when I was at Art Basel in Miami last year, I specifically chose to get a guided tour of the large format installed work. We lucked out that at White Cube was an installation- the smell of dirt and oil overtaking the senses. A narrow, crypt-like alley leading to rooms with artifacts- slightly disturbing like a cross between an oil spill and a nuclear event- so detailed in its materiality. With art like this, I am always fascinated by the process of the install itself- how long it took, how much planning went into the placement – I’m assuming they perhaps even created walls to meet the needs of the concept.
In a white cube, there are endless possibilities for expression. In it’s blank 3D canvas, anything can happen. We need nothing less and nothing more.
Address: 144-152, Bermondsey St, London SE1 3TQ, United Kingdom
Website: ‘Anselm Kiefer – Finnegans Wake’ at White Cube
ofallthespaces 