Ilya Kabakov's Retrospective '50 Installations' at Kunstmuseum Bern Merges Art and Institution

The Kunstmuseum Bern in Switzerland is currently hosting Ilya Kabakov's retrospective titled '50 Installations,' which highlights his unique 'total installations' that integrate art with the museum's environment. Noteworthy pieces include 'The Children's Hospital,' which contains peep show boxes showcasing miniature versions of 'The Raft of the Medusa' and 'The Earthquake in the Serail,' both reflecting aspects of Soviet life. Unlike traditional installations, these works occupy multiple floors. The second part, located in the Hoedlersaal, features the imaginary painter Charles Rosenthal's creations alongside interactive lighting elements. Central to the exhibition are models and sketches of 50 installations displayed against walls in shades of greenish grey, brown, and red. This event commemorates 15 years since Kabakov's inaugural solo exhibition in the West, highlighting his artistic journey. Svetlana Boym remarks on Kabakov's perspective of art as an essential existential requirement.