Camnitzer Activation Guide

Luis Camnitzer’s The Museum is a School is a call to reconsider the complex power dynamics between the museum, artist, and public. Taking the form of a banner displayed on the exterior of the Gund Gallery, the simple phrases — “The Museum is a school; The Artist learns to communicate; The Public learns to make connections,”— ask us to consider the possibility of shared creative agency. With elegant simplicity, Camnitzer’s words upend expected hierarchies and reimagine the museum as a forum for an equal exchange of ideas. With serious intent and a biting wit, Camnitzer offers viewers a chance to think, reflect, and learn.

PROBLEM

Luis Camnitzer is committed to the concept of art thinking. His work often asks the viewer to become a participant and equal collaborator with the artist. There’s more than one way to respond to the assignments below. Consider writing a poem. Express your opinion. Make a list. The dialog created will become the work of art!

PROJECT

Designed to stimulate free association and dialog, the Assignment Books are a series of creative propositions that require interactive engagement to become complete works of art. Participants visiting the Gund Gallery can leave their thoughts on display.

ASSIGNMENTS

This box organizes the universe into two spaces, discuss what could make the inside more appealing than the outside.

A sphere is shaped by its limits. With a radius of infinite length will remain a sphere. Comment on this.

The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. Describe the effects of a liquid sky.

Super computers are built in parallel arrays. Explain how brains could be connected to create a super-brain.

This is a poetic statement. Identify the elements that construct the poem.

Presented with this evidence, prove or disprove the existence of god.

You can share your work below in the comments or by posting it to Instagram and tagging @gundgallery.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. How are art and thought connected?
2. If you could add to the Assignment Books, what concepts and ideas would you ask participants to consider?
3. What makes something art?