I Want to Set the Space, Not Occupy It

A work of art occupies space. It stands against a wall, lies on the floor, or faces the viewer. But this alone says nothing about its effect.

A work can occupy the space. Then everything is directed toward the work. It demands attention. It wants to be seen, understood, or explained. The space becomes its background.

I am interested in the opposite path.

A work can set the space. It changes not only what is seen. It changes the way seeing takes place. Space ceases to be background. It becomes part of perception.

For this reason, I am not interested in filling a space. A filled space is not yet an open space. Openness arises where work, space, and viewer enter into relation.

The work does not end at its edge. It continues into the space.

The artist does not occupy space. He sets it.