A precise rectangular plinth, built-up with sheet upon sheet of paper. A masterpiece of formal minimalism? Perhaps, but wait, there’s more to it than that...
This untitled, participatory sculpture by artist Félix González-Torres is in constant flux, developing dialogue with other works in its vicinity as dimensions and balance incrementally change through an encouraged erosion: Gallery visitors are invited to remove the top sheet from the tower as a keepsake for themselves. During a finite existence — for the duration of an exhibition — the pile is replenished at set intervals up to a specified height but eventually it depletes and disappears. It has not been destroyed but has changed, the component parts dispersed to be displayed in private spaces, far and wide.
This work, which has been presented in various iterations with different dimensions and content since 1988, overlaps with so many modalities that it’s difficult to define in terms of genre. It can be approached as sculpture, installation, print-making, multiple, interactive, performative… but sits most comfortably as a work of Depletion Art — of which Félix González-Torres is a pioneer and best-known…
