From September 19 through November 7, the Zeeuws Museum and De Vleeshal hosted the exhibition Superstudio: Life without Objects. Superstudio (1966-1978) is the name of a group of radical Italian architects who attempted to release architecture from the tight grip of consumer society. This exhibition marked the first presentation of their work in the Netherlands.
Photo(s): Leo van Kampen (1-5), Ivo Wennekes (6-9)
During the 1960’s and 1970’s, the members of Superstudio rejected much of the prevailing architecture. They believed architecture to serve vested interests by catering to consumers’ craving for luxury and thirst for power. They also held the view that objects are often only created in order to keep the economy going. Superstudio explored the idea of an architecture without status, and of objects that were not for consumption. In expressing these ideas, Superstudio combined visual arts, anthropology, film and performance. Their works and designs do not mirror a view of architecture as a series of objects, but rather as a reflection of social relationships, associations and world views.
Superstudio: Life without Objects featured nearly one hundred sketches from the Superstudio archives. In addition, two of Superstudio’s original films were shown – as well were photographs, collages, film scripts and works such as the design for Il Monumento Continuo (the continuous monument).
Superstudio – Life Without Objects was organised by the Design Museum, London and curated by the architecture critics Bill Menking and Peter Lang with Superstudio and James Peto, curator at the Design Museum. The Exhibition Tour has been organised by the Design Museum, London.
exhibitions
tags: architecture,
superstudio
