The b-uncut blog

Behind the Scenes at White Cube

// February 18th, 2010 // b-hind the scenes // Amy

White Cube Hoxton Square
Candice Breitz, ‘Factum’
12 February – 20 March 2010
48 Hoxton Square, N1 6PB

Last week the White Cube galleries opened with the work of two artists: Film artist Candice Breitz at Hoxton Square and Franz Ackermann at Mason’s Yard.  Unlike the continuity of the Damien Hirst shows immediately preceding these exhibitions, the work of Breitz and Ackermann contrast greatly in their presentation. The entirety of Hoxton Square’s gallery interior is painted black, with dark grey carpeting; creating an ambience to replicate a movie theatre. Mason’s Yard, meanwhile, overwhelms the viewer with the bright colours for which Ackermann is known.

White Cube’s Exhibition Coordinator Susannah Hyman spoke to me about her role, the shows and the difficulties when dealing with some artists. Susannah describes her role as “acting as the eyes and ears to the artist who may never have seen the gallery space before”. She continues, “the artist will often only have certain personal considerations relating to the presentation of their work.” Franz Ackermann, for instance, “decamps from his studio in Berlin to London for a week or so” and hopes to achieve a site-specific environment for each exhibition. Some artists do not consider the time constraints of the gallery; for example, art critics may want to view the show before the opening in order to write an article. Though she does not deal with sales, in response to my question regarding the targeted client for the work she believes that the gallery “will want to get works into a couple of good museum collections, as well as private foundations.” Susannah was impressed with the number of attendees at both openings, and was particularly surprised with the amount of time and attention the viewers gave to each of Breitz’s films. She says that “there is something about the nature of these works and the characterization that is truly absorbing. You literally have to tear yourself away.” Quite true, as I was there for an hour longer than expected!

Both exhibitions are certainly worth a visit. Breitz’s films ask you to consider your identity and the circumstances, events and choices that make you an individual. Furthermore, the viewers are asked to focus on the small details that make an individual unique. Ackermann’s show invites the viewer, with a range of blue colors reminiscent of  Google’s website, to question the internet and our increasingly globalized society. The work offers an indirectly thought-provoking and aesthetically rousing exhibition.

Go see for yourself!

White Cube Mason’s Yard
Franz Ackermann, ‘Wait’
10 February – 1 April 2010
25-26 Mason’s Yard, SW1Y 6BU