The Scandinavian duo Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset became known with a series of works entitled Powerless Structures, in which they have conventions of the stereotype white cube They satirized the concept of exhibition spaces by presenting gallery spaces that were turned upside down, sunk into the ground, or hung from the ceiling. Their expansive, theatrical installations tap into the social codes of public spaces, whether in the city or the museum. Combining architecture, design, and performance, they create alienating spatial installations. At the 2009 Venice Biennale, they transformed two pavilions into art collectors' homes, where macabre scenes unfolded: an ironic relationship between the biennale as an art institution, the art market, and the world of power and wealth. In 2011, they curated a solo exhibition for the Submarine Wharf and, commissioned by SIR, created the performance sculpture It's Never Too Late to Say Sorry for the Coolsingel, which also taps into the conventions of the art world. A display case, often found in cities as a shopkeeper's display, doesn't contain a work of art, but a megaphone with which a personal, political, and everyday appeal is made to the passing public. A 'powerless gestureYou could call it that. For two years, performer Wim Konings appeared at the display case every day. He opened the door, took out the megaphone, and blared across the Coolsingel:It's never too late to say sorry!This performance was repeated every day at exactly noon from the opening on May 28, 2011. Nowadays, the performance only takes place on Wednesdays at noon. For more information: Sculpture International Rotterdam
