Time, space and existence. These three concepts sketch out the contours of the world around us. Taking these words as its starting point, the fourth edition of the Time Space Existence biennial exhibition is currently ongoing in the heart of Venice. Leading conceptual artist Joseph Kosuth speaks to us about what these themes have meant to him throughout his five-decade career.
Known for his playful use of language, Kosuth has always been interested in what lies outside of the frame of a work — often spilling out into rooms and buildings. In this video, he discusses his relationship with architecture and the responsibility of the artist to work against the market. Produced by PLANE—SITE, the film has been commissioned by the GAA Foundation with the support of the ECC.
The Time-Space-Existence series has already featured both prominent and emerging architects including Toshiko Mori, Daniel Libeskind, Fumihiko Maki, Arata Isozaki, Denise Scott-Brown, Peter Eisenman, Tatiana Bilbao, and others.
Kosuth is one of the world’s best-known living artists. A pioneer of conceptualism, he is particularly acclaimed for his works that make use of language and signification. Born in Toledo, Ohio, US, he was educated at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Later, in response to his own “ethnocentricity as a white, male artist”, he studied anthropology at the New School, also in New York.
He has taught at universities throughout Europe and the US, and has received numerous awards. His first, the Cassandra Foundation Grant, was aged just 23 and was selected by Marcel Duchamp. Notable works include One and Three Chairs (1965), Five Words in Blue Neon (1965) and Zero and Not (1986).
The Time Space Existence biennial exhibition opened on May 26 in Venice over three locations. With over 200 architects and artists set to participate, the fourth edition includes internationally renowned figures such as Odile Decq, Peter Eisenman, Kengo Kuma, Daniel Libeskind, Fumihiko Maki, Richard Meier & Partners Architects, MVRDV, Toshiko Mori, Moshe Safdie and SOM.Time Space Existence is organized by the European Cultural Centre with the support of the GAA Foundation.
About the GAA Foundation
The GAA Foundation is a Dutch non-profit organisation aiming to increase awareness of the theory and philosophies that shape contemporary art, architecture and culture. Through exhibitions, symposia, books and more, the GAA Foundation makes ideas accessible to an international audience. In this spirit, all exhibitions and events are free of charge.
About The European Cultural Centre
The European Cultural Centre (ECC) is an organization fostering research, design and interdisciplinary encounters. It encourages artistic and creative activities and facilitatesprocesses of exchange at all levels: visual art, dance, theatre, music, literature and architecture. The ECC is based at Palazzo Mora in the historical centre of Venice.
About PLANE—SITE
PLANE—SITE is a global agency working at the interface of urban form, cultural space, and social life. We believe that sharing compelling stories about the built environment can inspire communities to innovate and progress. Cutting through the noise with original multimedia content and meaningful narratives, we help our clients to become their own intellectual agents.