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David Roberts Art Foundation's 'A House of Leaves' exhibition concludes with third movement exploring museum as score

exhibition · 2026-04-20

In April 2013, the David Roberts Art Foundation launched the third segment of its six-month exhibition titled 'A House of Leaves,' marking the introduction of its new location. This exhibition not only highlighted the foundation's collection but also examined the roles of museums, beginning with Pierre Huyghe's 'Silent Score' (1997–). It included approximately 30 pieces, featuring temporary works like Bob Law's drawing and Simon Starling's bronze mask, alongside permanent installations such as Babette Mangolte's film. Among the significant pieces were Martin Creed's metronomes, Kris Martin's 'Mr III,' and Katinka Bock's videos. Jonathan Monk's 'Edgware Road (Translation Piece)' offered a humorous take on a Carl Andre quote. While the exhibition sought spontaneity, it received criticism for being overly conceptualized, with plans for an epilogue featuring additional permanent interventions.

Key facts

  • The exhibition 'A House of Leaves' ran for six months at David Roberts Art Foundation's new premises.
  • The third movement occurred in April 2013, with an epilogue planned afterward.
  • Pierre Huyghe's 'Silent Score' (1997–) based on John Cage's '4'33"' (1952) was the central work.
  • Approximately 30 pieces were divided between temporary displays and permanent interventions.
  • Artists included Bob Law, Simon Starling, Babette Mangolte, Martin Creed, Kris Martin, Katinka Bock, Jonathan Monk, and Lorna Simpson.
  • The theme explored 'the museum as score' or 'the museum as a stage.'
  • The exhibition aimed to deconstruct traditional museum roles and create something 'free, uncertain, non-productive.'
  • Criticism noted the show felt over-conceptualized and incoherent, with works seeming adrift.

Entities

Artists

  • Pierre Huyghe
  • John Cage
  • Bob Law
  • Simon Starling
  • Babette Mangolte
  • Martin Creed
  • Kris Martin
  • Katinka Bock
  • Jonathan Monk
  • Carl Andre
  • Lorna Simpson

Institutions

  • David Roberts Art Foundation
  • ArtReview

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources