daniel arsham's opens 'moving architecture' exhibit in russia

artist daniel arsham presents his first solo exhibition in russia, ‘moving architecture’. the exhibit, which is displayed at the karelia pavilion during the moscow international biennale of art, features nine exclusive site-specific architectural interventions rendered in a monochromatic white tone. included in the exhibition is the artist’s large-scale installation ‘excavated walls’, a huge concrete tunnel with abstract perforations that melt into a life-size human silhouette.

all images by james law

the elements used in the installation reflect arsham’s vision of human-to-architecture interaction — of man’s capacity to create, destroy, and modernize constructions as well as natural materials. the multi-scale compositions establish a complex scenography for the walls of the pavilion by adding various elements and drapery onto its smooth surface. the exhibit in moscow is represented by galerie perrotin, paris.

the elements reveal a human-to-architecture interaction

‘daniel arsham is one of today’s most promising young artists whose works are praised by the world’s leading galleries,’ says yekaterina mochalina, moscow project curator. ‘he has worked with robert wilson, pharrell williams, hedi slimane, and merce cunningham. we are committed to show genuine modern art at VDNKh because we believe that our pavilions are perfect locations for that.’

the large-scale installations create the illusion of drapery on the smooth surface

daniel arsham — who is also the co-founder of snarkitecture — works among the fields of architecture, design, sculpture, cinema, theater, and fashion. his fine perception of space and unique ability to establish a dialogue with the public have brought him success in scenography and arts. ‘moving architecture’ remains on view at VDNKh’s karelia pavilion until january 8, 2018.

the gallery walls appear to move and interact with visitors