Adrien Tirtiaux

• 20.06.–18.08.2007

In the project space, on the gallery’s lower level, we are showing the first solo exhibition of work by the Belgian artist Adrien Tirtiaux.

Tirtiaux takes the architectural elements of the rooms, as found, as point of departure for his piece Auprès de mon arbre, a continuation — this time indoors — of the contextual approach employed in his projects in the public realm. With economy of means (mirrors and paint), the lift foundation in the exhibition space and the ventilation equipment in the courtyard were clad, creating a poetic scene which makes reference to the lyrics of a song by Georges Brassens. He sings: “Living near my tree I was happy; I never should have moved away…”.

“By creating artificial nature inside the White Cube, an invitation is extended to the exhibition visitors to return to the outdoors. And yet, in the end, the burlesque camouflage of the lift’s foundation and the ventilation equipment reinforces the functional aspects. And this illusory flight requires the framework provided by institutional space.” (Adrien Tirtiaux)

Auprès de mon arbre
Je vivais heureux
J’aurais jamais dû
M’éloigner de mon arbre

Auprès de mon arbre
Je vivais heureux
J’aurais jamais dû
Le quitter des yeux

Text: Georges Brassens