philippe rahm: 'white geology' scenography at la force de l'art 02, paris, france

‘white geology’ scenography at la force de l’art 02, paris, france by philippe rahm

for the la force de l’art 02 event, architect and exhibition designer philippe rahm has especially conceived a scenography, imagining a new atmosphere inserted inside the first, a bare ecosystem without colour or variety, without mineralization. an entirely white abstract landscape, a micro-climate without wind nor heat nor rain, reduced to the sole element of light falling in the nave and becoming virtually solid as it meets the contours of a cold white geology; time is suspended in a calm expectation, given only to the lively and colourful efflorescence of the art works.  it is an architectural environment, halfway between village and landscape, sculpted in response to the intrinsic needs for the presentation of the works.

instead of a prebuilt receptacle to receive the art works, the objective conditions of the exhibition provide forms that, by shaping the mouldings into the three dimensions of the space, leave a trace of their own reliefs. within this white geology, in each artwork or group of works, each installation, each artistic initiative occupies a volume adapted to its objective characteristics.

rahm’s ambition was  to create a volume in the space, as well as setting up a process: at first each artwork is given the same space and volume. and then, depending on their dimensions and the necessary distance between them and the observer, they will begin to push against each other in a movement similar to that of tectonic plates. depending on their weight and the amount of light required, they will then deform the surface, create hollows, swell it, raise up heights. a white landscape appears, the ‘white cube’ opens up, against which the shapes, textures and substances of the artworks will stand out and be showcased.

la force de l’art is a triennial event organised by the french ministry of culture and communication, showcasing france’s diverse contemporary art scene and the artists that make it happen. the second edition of la force de l’art will take place in the nave of the grand palais, from april 24 to june 1, 2009.