Artist Andreas Angelidakis transforms Niemeyer’s space in Paris
Thus, visitors can line up the books or use them as meridians, and the chairs that make up the columns can be used for sitting or stacking. The installation develops the practice of “soft ruins” (or elastic ruins) that the artist has explored since 2003. Andreas Angelidakis invites the audience to allocate the space, thus questioning the traditional idea under which artworks cannot be touched.
Complementing the “Soft Ruins”, a series of video shows create an enigmatic atmosphere through repetitive images of models installed in the decor, accompanied by a soundtrack reminiscent of the Athenian nightlife. Ambient darkness and spotlights on the columns give the atmosphere of an entire nightclub, further deconstructing contemporary art practice and the traditional presentation of works within a white cube.
Andreas Angelidakis, based in Athens, has a classical education in architecture but defines himself as an “architect who does not build”. Her work today focuses on contemporary art in light of her training as an architect.
In the early 2000s, he moved away from building design and began creating virtual 3D architectural spaces. His work addresses the concept of ruin in both ancient and contemporary societies. Architecture is a place of social interaction, creating works that question sociology and the history of modernity in the disciplines of architecture, urban culture, and digital media.
Through public exhibitions, Audemars Piguet Contemporary aims to make sought-after works accessible to a wide audience. The Center for Critical Appreciation of Antiquity (2022) coincides with the tenth anniversary of the program as well as the inaugural edition of Paris + by Art Basel taking place at the Grand Palais Éphémère from 20-23 October 2022.
* Audemars Piguet Contemporary commissions international artists to create contemporary works of art and supports a wide range of creators. The Factory believes in the power of contemporary art to foster dialogue. This program resonates with the community of expert craftsmen supported and nurtured by Audemars Piguet in Vallée de Joux.
Since 2012, Audemars Piguet Contemporary has established collaborations with international artists such as Andreas Angelidakis, Meriem Bennani, Aleksandra Domanivić, Cao Fei, Phoebe Hui, Ryoji Ikeda, Robin Meier, Alexandra Pirici, Arin Rungjang, Tomás Saraceno, Suna Semiconductor, Suna Weconduct.
Commissioned artworks have been presented all over the world, at major events in Asia (Art Basel Hong Kong; UCCA Center for Contemporary Art (Beijing), in Europe (180 The Strand, London; Ars Electronica, Linz; Art Basel in Basel; Espace Niemeyer, Paris; Electronic Arts House (HEK) Basel; International Art Fair – La Biennale di Venice; Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg; MAXXI, Rome; Palais Tokyo, Paris), and in the United States (Art Basel Miami Beach; The High Line, New York; Times Square Arts, New York).
** Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and built in 1965 as the headquarters of the French Communist Party, Espace Niemeyer has become an exceptional site for artistic expression. In France, Espace Niemeyer embodies the extraordinary creativity of the 20th century modernist movement. It is a demonstration of the technical possibilities offered by concrete, steel and glass.
This architectural heritage, classified as a Historic Landmark of France in 2007, now hosts a variety of artists and events. This large number of projects is made possible by the long-standing relationships with visual and performing artists and students from various partner schools, who develop their creativity during stays within the space.
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