Elmgreen & Dragset on Minimalism, Queer Futures, and the White Cube

In an interview with Ludovico Pratesi for Artribune's 'Futuro Antico' series, artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset discuss their influences, key projects, and vision for the future. Michael Elmgreen (Copenhagen, 1961) and Ingar Dragset (Trondheim, 1969) have worked together since 1995, based in Berlin. They cite Minimalism—especially Donald Judd—and Michel Foucault's theories on power structures as major influences, along with Félix González-Torres for combining minimalism with queer themes. Their 2018 Whitechapel Gallery exhibition 'This is How We Bite Our Tongue' transformed the main space into an abandoned swimming pool to critique gentrification under Boris Johnson's mayorship. Their recent Fondazione Prada show 'Useless Bodies?' (2022) questioned physical adaptation to an ultra-digital world across four venues. The duo emphasizes site-specificity and dynamic meanings for their sculptures. Looking ahead, they argue that endless expansion is no longer viable given war, climate crises, and recession; they advocate for community-building, queer perspectives on identity, and collaboration over competition. They advise young artists to avoid fear and the pursuit of 'right' choices.