Curatorial Statements
Since 2022, environmental activists have repeatedly vandalized works of art in museums to promote ecological awareness through simplistic arguments. Such actions take place in the sacred space of a museum, where attacks – with paint, food, and glue – temporarily alter classic works and often require restoration. The shock and entertainment value for visitors, as well as the viral videos, serve not only as forms of protest but also as artistic acts. Tor Seidel’s research argues that the result is the creation of an unexpected variation of a significant work of art, while at the same time offering visitors new experiences in the museum space. These changes alter both the artwork and its surroundings, challenging the notion that classical art and museum spaces are sacrosanct. This expands the concept of art and its perception – it transforms the museum into a stage for activist performances, brings a unique form of performance art, ‘hysterical action art,’ out of the predictable white cube and into the spontaneous spaces of society, and turns uninvolved viewers into active participants.
Tor Seidel recreates scenes in his studio and photographs them in large format on a first panel. He does not show the attack itself, but the moment after it. Personal statements and information about the action are also part of the triptych on a second panel.
The changes resulting from the attack have transformed the original into a new, independent work. Although only temporarily altered, the work, once considered sacrosanct, is now preserved in its altered state on the internet and in viral videos. The permanently available videos posted by activist groups and visitors serve as visual evidence that can no longer be deleted. Hence the semiotic change: the work is interpreted in many ways, including as an object of desire, vulnerability and fragility of the museum space. Tor Seidel interprets this process through a third panel produced by machine embroidery.
About XVA Gallery
XVA Gallery is one of the leading galleries in the Middle East that specializes in contemporary art from the Arab world, Iran, and the Subcontinent. Exhibitions focus on works by the region’s
foremost artists as well as those emerging onto the scene. The gallery’s artists express their different cultural identities and perspectives while challenging the viewer to drop prejudices and borders. XVA Gallery and XVA Art Hotel are located in Dubai’s heritage district, now called Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. XVA founded and organized the Bastakiya Art Fair from 2007-2010 as part of its commitment to raising the profile of contemporary art practice in Dubai. ***