Never I have thought at length about the the imminent and profound influence that a space has on a work of art. I suppose on an elementary level it is obvious, Marcel Duchamp's Fountain is the the classic example using an external space to corral interest in an object. The recent exhibition of Chantal Michel at Schloss Kissen (Castle of Gravel) however, pressed me into a space that required a near participation in the work simply by walking through the exhibition. Chantal's work is largely photo and video instillation, but was displayed in a Swiss castle built in 1778. The interior of the castle is the wilted remains of a once splendid pre-Victorian mansion, but through time and disrepair now looks like a meticulously prepared haunted house. The works are placed in darkened corridor and attics, and the spectator is free to wander and explore the entire mansion, seeking out the displayed work like a child on a treasure hunt. It was one of the most incredible exhibitions I have ever seen and opened my eyes up to reconsidering the conventional role of space for art.
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