MASSIMO DE CARLO launches virtual space with the john armleder and rob pruitt show

digital exhibition tour: MASSIMO DE CARLO launches ‘virtual space’: a new walkable and flexible immersive experience that you can enjoy from home — the first of its kind in the art world. constructed using the newest technologies, VSpace is an immersive exhibition setting that any viewer can enjoy through the gallery’s website or through oculus glasses. VSpace has been inaugurated with a joint show featuring influential swiss artist john armleder, and new works by american post-conceptual artist rob pruitt.

installation views of the john armleder and rob pruitt show in VSpace, courtesy of MASSIMO DE CARLO

moreover, because of its digital identity, MASSIMO DE CARLO’s VSpace is completely flexible and adaptable to any exhibition scenario. it is the first space that depends upon the works of art, and not vice versa. ‘the history of my gallery reflects an innovative spirit in adventuring in unprecedented, historically charged, distinctive spaces globally,’ says massimo de carlo. ‘with our new virtual space we feel we’re stepping into a future where artists will have the chance to interact with architecture with an extraordinary freedom while collectors, critics, curators and the general public will have the opportunity to experience art from home like never before.’

for its first show, VSpace presents a series of iconic works by john armleder that embody the necessary playful statements key to the artist’s multi-layered practice: colorful, abstract and geometrical reflections around the notion of space. on the other hand, rob pruitt’s signature tongue in cheek wit mystifies melancholy and layers of separation by analyzing the infinite, and increasingly relevant, semiology of squares, screens and tokens.

VSpace has been conceived and built by innovative web designers and IT technicians using real-time technology. the 3D virtual reality real-time rendering can calculate an enormous series of 3D images at high speed, allowing the viewer to have a photorealistic and interactive experience, crossing boundaries between physicality and hyper reality. the result is an unprecedented experience in an engaging space, defining a complete new way to enjoy art from your home and at the same time a parenthesis for contemplation in the image-loaded realm of our mobile phones and desktops.

rob pruitt, high at noon, 2020
acrylic and flocking on linen | 160 0 160 cm / 63 0 53 inches
photo by adam reich

rob pruitt, milo, 2019, ex. unique
acrylic, enamel, flocking on linen | 156.80 127 cm / 61 3/4 x 50 inches
photo by adam reich

rob pruitt, chair #13, 2019, ex. unique
found chair with gold tape | 84 x 59.3 x 48.9 cm 33 1/8 x 23 3/8 x 19 1/4 inches
photo by adam reich

john armleder, lake placid, 2019
mixed media on canvas | 210 x 420 x 5 cm / 82 2/3 x 165 1/3 x 2 inches
photo by annik wetter

exhibition info:

title: the john armleder and rob pruitt show
gallery: MASSIMO DE CARLO
live date: april 15 – 30, 2020
location: VSpace

edited by nina azzarello

we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see digital exhibition tours here, and project submissions from designboom readers here.