whether line fondazione prada | Whether Line Fondazione Prada / Milan

The Fondazione Prada's 2019 exhibition, "Whether Line," a collaborative project by artists Lizzie Fitch and Ryan Trecartin, was more than just a display of artworks; it was an immersive, multi-sensory experience that blurred the boundaries between sculpture, video, performance, and architecture. The exhibition, documented in a comprehensive book published by Fondazione Prada in 2019, provides a lasting record of this complex and often unsettling world built by Fitch and Trecartin. This article delves into the intricacies of "Whether Line," exploring its core themes, artistic strategies, and the lasting impact of this significant collaboration.

Lizzie Fitch and Ryan Trecartin: A Collaborative Force

Lizzie Fitch and Ryan Trecartin have been working together since meeting as students at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in the early 2000s. Their partnership is characterized by a shared interest in the fragmented, hyper-mediated realities of the digital age. They are known for creating environments that reflect the chaotic, information-saturated landscape of contemporary life, often utilizing video, sculpture, and architectural interventions to construct immersive and disorienting spaces. Their work frequently explores themes of identity, community, and the anxieties and possibilities that arise from rapid technological advancements.

"Whether Line": An Embodied Ecosystem

"Whether Line" was conceived as a holistic ecosystem, a living, breathing environment that extended beyond the traditional boundaries of an art exhibition. The installation incorporated video projections, sculptural elements, and architectural modifications to create a space that was both visually stimulating and physically engaging. Visitors were not merely passive observers; they were invited to navigate and interact with the artwork, becoming active participants in the unfolding narrative.

The exhibition title, "Whether Line," suggests a precarious state, a point of uncertainty and potential transformation. It evokes the shifting boundaries between the real and the virtual, the human and the artificial, the individual and the collective. This sense of liminality permeated the entire exhibition, creating a feeling of unease and disorientation.

Key Elements of the Exhibition:whether line fondazione prada

* Architectural Interventions: Fitch and Trecartin radically altered the existing architecture of the Fondazione Prada, creating new pathways, hidden chambers, and disorienting perspectives. Walls were shifted, corridors were narrowed, and ceilings were lowered, forcing visitors to navigate the space in unexpected ways. These architectural modifications were not merely cosmetic; they were integral to the overall experience, shaping the visitor's perception and challenging their sense of spatial awareness.

* Sculptural Assemblages: Scattered throughout the exhibition space were a series of bizarre and unsettling sculptural assemblages. These objects, often constructed from found materials, industrial waste, and digitally fabricated components, resembled mutated organisms or decaying remnants of a forgotten civilization. They served as both visual anchors and symbolic representations of the themes explored in the videos.

* Video Projections: Video was a central component of "Whether Line." Fitch and Trecartin's videos are known for their frenetic editing, distorted visuals, and nonsensical narratives. They often feature a cast of eccentric characters who speak in fragmented, jargon-laden dialogue, reflecting the fragmented and often incoherent nature of online communication. The videos in "Whether Line" were projected onto various surfaces throughout the exhibition, creating a constant sense of visual overload.

* Sound Design: The exhibition was accompanied by a cacophonous soundscape that further amplified the sense of disorientation. The sound design incorporated elements of electronic music, ambient noise, and distorted voices, creating an auditory environment that was both immersive and unsettling.

Themes Explored in "Whether Line":

* The Fragmentation of Identity: In the digital age, identity is no longer a fixed and stable entity. It is fluid, malleable, and subject to constant manipulation. Fitch and Trecartin's work reflects this fragmentation of identity, portraying characters who are constantly reinventing themselves, adopting new personas, and blurring the lines between the real and the artificial.

* The Rise of the Virtual: The virtual world has become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, blurring the boundaries between the real and the simulated. "Whether Line" explores the implications of this virtualization of reality, examining the ways in which technology is shaping our perceptions, relationships, and sense of self.

* The Anxieties of the Digital Age: The digital age has brought with it a host of new anxieties, including concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the spread of misinformation. Fitch and Trecartin's work captures these anxieties, portraying a world that is both exhilarating and terrifying.

* The Search for Community: Despite the increasing isolation of modern life, there is a persistent desire for community and connection. "Whether Line" explores the ways in which people are seeking out new forms of community in the digital age, often finding solace in online spaces and virtual worlds.

* Environmental Degradation: Intertwined with the digital anxieties of the exhibition is a subtle but present concern for the environment. The use of discarded materials in the sculptures and the overall sense of decay and disrepair hint at the consequences of unchecked consumerism and environmental degradation.