ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Daniel Buren's In Situ Concept Becomes Commonplace

opinion-review · 2026-04-24

The concept of in situ, originally theorized and pioneered by Daniel Buren as a radical critique of exhibition space, has become the obligatory mode of presentation for contemporary artworks. What was once a site-specific intervention challenging institutional norms has devolved into a commonplace, reproducing illusionistic space rather than disrupting it.

Key facts

  • Daniel Buren theorized and pioneered the in situ concept.
  • In situ originally served as a radical critique of exhibition space.
  • The concept has become the obligatory mode of presentation for artworks.
  • The genius of place has given way to a commonplace on the contemporary art scene.
  • In situ now reproduces illusionistic space.
  • The article was published in artpress in June 1989.

Entities

Artists

  • Daniel Buren

Institutions

  • artpress

Sources