Michael Asher's Radiator Relocation: A Site-Specific Masterpiece
Anne Rorimer's new publication examines Michael Asher's 1992 work 'Kunsthalle Bern, 1992', in which the artist relocated the building's radiators to the entry-way gallery, connected by steel pipes to their original valves. Rorimer contextualizes the piece within Asher's fusion of art with institutional material, economic, and social conditions, and compares it to Minimalist and Conceptualist predecessors like Dan Flavin, Marcel Broodthaers, Daniel Buren, and Maria Nordman. The book also explores Asher's influence on younger artists including Fred Wilson, Andrea Fraser, and Maria Eichhorn. Published by Afterall as part of the 'One Work' series, the paperback is available via MIT Press.
Key facts
- Michael Asher's work 'Kunsthalle Bern, 1992' (1992) involved relocating the building's radiators to the entry-way gallery.
- Steel pipes connected the radiators to their original valves, maintaining hot water flow.
- Anne Rorimer authored the publication analyzing this work.
- The work is considered an example of site-specific practice and institutional critique.
- Rorimer compares Asher's work to Dan Flavin, Marcel Broodthaers, Daniel Buren, and Maria Nordman.
- Asher's practice influenced Fred Wilson, Andrea Fraser, and Maria Eichhorn.
- The publication is part of Afterall's 'One Work' series.
- The paperback is available for purchase via MIT Press.
Entities
Artists
- Michael Asher
- Anne Rorimer
- Dan Flavin
- Marcel Broodthaers
- Daniel Buren
- Maria Nordman
- Fred Wilson
- Andrea Fraser
- Maria Eichhorn
Institutions
- Kunsthalle Bern
- Afterall
- MIT Press
Locations
- Bern
- Switzerland
Sources
- Afterall —