Where is the work?

Abstract

For “Where is the Work?” the artists produced photographs and texts, which explicate and attempt to stabilize a body of ephemeral, context-specific work. Cornford and Cross acted as artists, curators, instigators, designers and authors. The exhibition site itself is the work, the transgression is found in the decision to critically articulate and institutionally validate this work through a touring exhibition, publication and website. The touring exhibition and website constitute a key development of investigation by Cornford & Cross into the relationship between artistic collaboration, social engagement and site-specific installation. Their art practice leads from the proposition that a key function of contemporary art is to test concepts, assumptions and boundaries in everyday life. The touring show made visible the widest range of projects by the artists and included realized and unrealized projects, with the intent to engage a variety of audiences in reflection and debate.