“Nowhere better than this place”
October 21st, 2005For Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ work to be realized and called an original, it must fulfill the artist’s requirements exactly and has to have the authorization of the lending institution.
Here’s the installation requirements for his work, Untitled (Somewhere better than this place, Nowhere better than this place):
Offset print on paper (endless copies), respective inscription: “Somewhere better than this place” and “Nowhere better than this place”.
The paper should be 75 lb. white offset by Georgia Pacific (or something similar if this cannot be found). The sheets should be 29 x 23 inches, and the ideal height of the stack should be maintained as closely as possible to 26 inches. The stacks should be 10 inches apart with the printed side on view; the bottom of the texts should face one another. The text should be Times New Roman Italic, printed in black and centered within the sheet of paper.
Here is how the work looks on our mezzanine paired with Roni Horn’s Gold Mats, Paired (For Ross and Felix):
Visitors are encouraged to take one of the papers with them from either stack. Each night, the stacks are replenished to their original size. About this, Rosa de la Cruz wrote, “These words reconcile the possibility of being here and there-of physical distance giving way to temporal distance. Gonzalez-Torres wants us to take the papers with us. Through our participation the works travel to different places, allowing it to explore new ways of habitation, and the mere fact that the stacks are constantly being replenished gives the work an infinite life”. (Rosa de la Cruz, Introduction to “That Place”)
Side note: We have a new neighbor–tonight the Bruno David Gallery is opening across the street from the Pulitzer. I hope you all have a chance to stop by and welcome the newest addition to the arts in Grand Center.
I was lucky enough to experience that piece when I visited the de la Cruz home for Art Basel last year. And yes, I took a sheet of paper – guilt and all.
By the way, apparently the de la Cruz home is open year-round for tours. It’s a must see when visiting Miami.