Gelitin's Pokalypsea-Apokalypse-Okalypseap at Fondazione Prada

The Austrian collective Gelitin (Tobias Urban, Wolfgang Gantner, Ali Janka, Florian Reither) presents "Pokalypsea-Apokalypse-Okalypseap" at Fondazione Prada's Cisterna in Milan, as part of the Slight Agitation series of site-specific commissions. The installation features three large sculptures: Arc de Triomphe (2003-17), a spiral wooden structure for performances, and a vertical totem of white polystyrene blocks evoking Inuit constructions. Arc de Triomphe, originally shown in a public space, is here central, with the artists recreating a performative environment that captures everyday gestures like spitting or smoking. Visitors are invited to smoke a cigarette in the installation, becoming part of an ephemeral performance. The spiral structure, made from disassembled furniture, functions as an ascending stage inspired by Brancusi's concept of infinite sculpture. Gelitin represented Austria at the 49th Venice Biennale in 2001 and participated in the 2007, 2009, and 2011 editions. Recent shows include New York Golem at Greene Naftali, Gelatin Gelitin Gelintin at Perrotin Hong Kong, and The Guild of Giving at Cabaret Voltaire during Manifesta 11. The artists emphasize improvisation and a lack of detailed architectural plans, aiming to create a space where the public can experience a sense of dwelling between dream and reality.