Xavier Veilhan
Architectones
August 9–September 16, 2012
Opening: Wednesday, August 8, 5–8pm
Press preview: August 8 at 3:30pm
Neutra VDL Research House
2300 Silver Lake Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
www.architectones.info
www.neutra-vdl.org
Site-specific installations continue at modernist landmarks worldwide
The Neutra VDL Research House (1932/1964) in Los Angeles presents Architectones, an installation by Xavier Veilhan. Veilhan has created a new body of work specifically for the Modernist house Richard Neutra designed for his family and architectural practice. Consisting of monochrome interventions, the exhibition features sculptures throughout the property, from the front garden to the rooftop reflecting pool. Both abstract and figurative, the artworks loosely trace the decades of the last century by focusing on the personal and professional history of Neutra, his times, and Veilhan’s interaction with the house.
The first rendition of a project that continues at worldwide landmarks of Modernism, the exhibition opens to the public on Wednesday, August 8 from 5–8pm and remains on view through Sunday, September 16, 2012. During the opening, the artist will present an airborne performance: a plane towing a monochrome banner as a blank, abstract announcement will fly above the Silverlake Reservoir.
Architectones
With a title that pays homage to the “architectons” of Kasimir Malevich, this series extends Veilhan’s practice of creating site-specific installations in important architectural settings. Following Jeff Koons, in 2009, Veilhan was the second contemporary artist selected to exhibit at the Palace of Versailles. Currently, Veilhan has an exhibition at Hatfield House outside of London, and another upcoming at the Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. in November 2012.
First in a series of installations in Modernist landmarks, the VDL project will be followed by Pierre Koenig’s Case Study House #21 (1958); the roof of Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse, Marseille (1952), set for spring 2013; St. Bernadette du Banlay Church (1966) by Claude Parent and Paul Virilio, Nevers, France; and the Melnikov House (1929) in Moscow.
Each chapter of Architectones will be a unique response to its setting. In Los Angeles, the artist addresses the topic of modernity through objects such as a metal flag, a mobile, and models of a boat and cars. The installation also features a soundtrack by Nicolas Godin of the band Air. Echoing Neutra’s domestic life, Veilhan will live at the VDL with his family as he installs the exhibition.
Veilhan’s Architectones in Los Angeles is organized by architect, curator, and educator Francois Perrin. He has completed several contemporary residences and curated the exhibition Yves Klein: Air Architecture.
Xavier Veilhan, a Paris-based artist, is represented by Galerie Perrotin (Paris) Andrehn-Schptjenko (Stockholm) and 313 Art Project (Seoul). He has exhibited extensively worldwide. His polymathic work includes painting, digital photography, film, and performance. He has collaborated with musician Sebastien Tellier, the band Air, renowned designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, and artist Daniel Buren.
Related events
A panel discussion is set for Friday, August 10 at 7pm. Speakers include Veilhan, Neutra scholar Barbara Lamprecht, art critic Jan Tumlir, and Dr. Raymond Neutra, with moderator Francois Perrin. Additional events include a piano performance by Lorenzo Marasso and guests, Friday, August 24; a film screening Friday, September 7 featuring Veilhan’s Furtivo, with music by Sebastien Tellier; and a closing day cocktail event.
A press preview is scheduled for Wednesday, August 8 at 3:30pm. Please RSVP to katie@katieklapper.com.
Visitor information
The VDL Research House is located at 2300 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039. The exhibition will be open Thursday–Sunday from August 9–September 16, 2012. Hours are Thursday/Friday 3–8pm and Saturday/Sunday 11–4pm. Admission is 10 USD on Saturdays, when there are docent-led tours of the house. The suggested donation on other days is 10 USD.
For information on Xavier Veilhan:
www.veilhan.net
www.youtube.com/user/AtelierXavierVeilhan
www.facebook.com/veilhan
Press contacts
Katie Klapper: T 323 874 9667 / katie@katieklapper.com
Francois Perrin: T 213 590 7096 / fp@francoisperrin.com
*Image above:
Xavier Veilhan, Mobile (Neutra), 2012. Fiberglass, polyurethane resin, carbon, white gold, polypropylene, 74 3/4 x 59 x 59 inches. Photo © Diane Arques. © Veilhan / ADAGP, Paris, 2012.