Projects 79: Liam Gillick, Literally
September 25–December 1, 2003

Literally, by British artist Liam Gillick, is a two-part installation comprising a hanging "text cube" of powder-coated aluminum and a wall diagram designed for the public space at MoMA QNS. The cube functions as both a sign and a rhetoric tool, set against an abstracted graphic rendering of an unspecified location. Conceived in parallel with the artist’s recent book, Literally No Place (2002), this project forms part of Gillick's ongoing investigation into the function of signs and symbols in the built world. In the artist’s words, Literally is meant "to provide a backdrop for considerations of the constantly shifting state of the cityscape," which in the museum context allows a focus "on the personal experience and a captured moment of reflection."

Organized by Claudia Schmuckli, former Assistant Curator, Department of Painting and Sculpture.

The exhibition is supported by The Junior Associates and The Contemporary Arts Council of The Museum of Modern Art, with additional generous funding from Junior Associate members.

Pictured above:
Liam Gillick. Installation view of Consciens Lobby. 2001. Powder-coated aluminum, 12' x 12' x 12'. Lobby of Telenor Corporation, Oslo, Norway. Photo courtesy of the Telenor, Oslo and Casey Kaplan, New York