Hans Ulrich Obrist & Rirkrit Tiravanija: The Conversation Series: Volume 20

Rirkrit Tiravanija is easily one of the most important artists developing the social and relational aspects of art today. He has transformed gallery spaces into de facto banquet halls, pirate radio stations and even a replica of his own apartment, and in so doing he insists on social interaction, generosity and sociality as components of the art-going experience. "It is about being in the space, participating to an activity," he has said of his project; "the nature of the visit has shifted to emphasize on the gallery as a ... Read More

Rirkrit Tiravanija is easily one of the most important artists developing the social and relational aspects of art today. He has transformed gallery spaces into de facto banquet halls, pirate radio stations and even a replica of his own apartment, and in so doing he insists on social interaction, generosity and sociality as components of the art-going experience. "It is about being in the space, participating to an activity," he has said of his project; "the nature of the visit has shifted to emphasize on the gallery as a space for social interaction. The transfer of such activities as cooking, eating or sleeping into the realm of the exhibition space put visitors into very intimate if unexpected contact." Here, curator, critic and art historian Hans Ulrich Obrist embarks on intimate conversations with the artist while rowing on a lake, on automobile trips and walking through a museum, opening portals onto Tiravanija's projects and methods. Read Less