VIRTUAL Barcelona

Abstract

Today, ‘site’ has become not only a space built for artists, but also a subject discussed within historical, social, cultural and political concepts. It has also become the artwork itself with all its physical, atmospheric and functional attributes, rather than being simply a location or installation space. In addition, artists have embarked on a quest for a connection between architecture, urban space and production practices. In this sense, the artworks produced in alternative spaces should be considered within multiple contexts. The installations in such spaces need a broader and more complex comprehension than in gallery or museum spaces. The main reason for this is that the ‘traditional’ way of experiencing the artworks cannot be employed in alternative spaces which all have different functions and historical processes. The aim of this study is to understand the recent position of new site-specific art alternatives considering historical and social context.