This means Gallery 1, reserved for the work of The Netherlands-born artist Marlie Mul, will be left empty until 29 October. During this time the public can suggest alternative uses for the space, which will only contain billboards advertising that the exhibition has been cancelled. Ideas put forward so far include life drawing classes, yoga sessions and film screenings. Proposal forms are available on the gallery’s website.
This Exhibition Has Been Cancelled aims to implicitly critique what is displayed in museums and galleries and the process that leads to objects and artworks being placed in such spaces. It is also designed to question the relevance of an art exhibition in 2017.
“By removing what would traditionally be considered as an art object we are instead presenting the gallery as an empty space, giving us a moment to question the value in turning over exhibition after exhibition after exhibition,” said Will Cooper, the curator of contemporary art at Goma.
“Perhaps Goma and, by extension, other museums and galleries would be better placed as a space for another kind of activity. The public have been invited to respond and suggest ways that we might use the space. We’re excited by the different types of activities that might be on offer during this cancelled show.”