Prague
Completed

Elmgreen & Dragset: READ Exhibition – A Journey into Books and Knowledge at Kunsthalle Praha

This curated exhibition at Kunsthalle Praha explores the enduring significance of literature and evolving knowledge in a digital world.

Experience Elmgreen & Dragset's transformative exhibition, 'READ,' at Kunsthalle Praha. This unique show reimagines the gallery as a contemporary public library, celebrating Prague's literary heritage. It presents works by sixty international artists, delving into the historical significance of physical books and the evolving nature of knowledge in the digital age. The curation prompts reflection on how we engage with information and the role of libraries in modern society.

About Elmgreen & Dragset: READ at Kunsthalle Praha in Prague

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Elmgreen & Dragset: READ at Kunsthalle Praha in Prague

Exhibition summary

The artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset have transformed Kunsthalle Praha into a curious public library titled 'READ.' This exhibition celebrates Prague's literary heritage and features works by sixty international artists, exploring books as physical objects and the nature of knowledge in the digital age.

Curatorial context

For their first major exhibition in Czechia, the renowned artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset have curated 'READ,' a comprehensive exhibition that transforms Kunsthalle Praha into a contemporary public library. The exhibition features their own works alongside contributions from sixty international artists, drawing from Kunsthalle Praha's collection and personally invited artists. 'READ' delves into the historical and enduring significance of books, questioning our relationship with them as physical objects and the evolving landscape of knowledge in the digital era. Inspired by Prague's rich literary heritage, the exhibition critically examines the library as a space for sharing knowledge and services, especially in light of recent social safety net cuts and the increasing shift towards digital platforms. The title 'READ' itself is a multifaceted prompt, encouraging not only the act of reading but also deeper understanding and situational awareness. The artists highlight the urgent relevance of books and writing, particularly in contexts where they face censorship, drawing parallels between historical totalitarian regimes and contemporary challenges. The exhibition is developed in close collaboration with Kunsthalle Praha's curatorial team, including Chief Curator Christelle Havranek and Collection Curator Barbora Ropková, who emphasize the exhibition's vibrant tribute to the physical book and its capacity to captivate and inspire.

Admission and ticket notes

Visitors can explore the exhibition with a digital guide and an online exhibition brochure. Further ticketing or admission details are not specified on this page.

Elmgreen & Dragset: READ key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Elmgreen & Dragset: READ at Kunsthalle Praha in Prague

Venue
Kunsthalle Praha
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Nov 16, 2023 – Apr 22, 2024
Artist line / attribution
Featuring works by Elmgreen & Dragset alongside sixty international artists including Georges Adéagbo, Saâdane Afif, Meriç Algün, Dotty Attie, Cay Bahnmiller, Olga Balema, Vlastimil Beneš, Barbara Bloom, George Brecht, Marcel Broodthaers, Pavel Büchler, Sophie Calle, Thomas Cap de Ville, Alejandro Cesarco, The Chicago Center for Caspar David Friedrich Studies, Giorgio de Chirico, Jean-Philippe Delhomme, Braco Dimitrijević, Aleksandra Domanović, Emory Douglas, Robert Filliou, Ken Friedman, Kasia Fudakowski, Simon Fujiwara, Dora García, Isa Genzken, Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster & Paul B. Preciado, Tomislav Gotovac, Dick Higgins, Vladimír Houdek, IRWIN, František Janoušek, Allan Kaprow, Tarik Kiswanson, Milan Knížák, Běla Kolářová, Jiří Kolář, Tony Lewis, Tom Lubbock, Vlado Martek, Endre Nemes, Nam June Paik, Géza Perneczky, Zhang Peili, Kirsten Pieroth, Katarina Poliačiková, Florian Pumhösl, Chiharu Shiota, Marek Schovánek, Kurt Schwitters, Slavs and Tatars, Nedko Solakov, Jindřich Štyrský, Gert & Uwe Tobias, Endre Tót, Jaro Varga, Wolf Vostell, Peter Weibel, Ruth Wolf-Rehfeldt.
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