ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Raque Ford's Elevator Intervention at Fridericianum, Kassel

exhibition · 2026-05-21

Raque Ford, born in 1986 in Columbia, Maryland, and currently residing in New York, has unveiled a unique installation in the public elevators of Fridericianum in Kassel. This exhibit, titled "The only one willing to do the hard part," will be accessible until January 27, 2027. It delves into themes of identity influenced by pop culture and digital interactions. Visitors will find photographic wallpaper showcasing elements from a discount clothing store, mixed with floral designs and Ford's own handwritten thoughts, including a poignant line about desire. Ford's art blends vibrant colors with industrial materials, drawing inspiration from Matisse, Minimalism, and Pop Art. This project adds to Fridericianum's history of placing art in unconventional spaces, previously featuring artists like Kerstin Brätsch. Ford's recent solo shows include venues like Kunstverein Gartenhaus in Vienna and the Whitney Museum in New York. The exhibition is curated by Larissa Hüttenhein, Justin Delor, and Luise von Nobbe.

Key facts

  • Raque Ford created a site-specific installation for two public elevators at Fridericianum, Kassel.
  • The work is titled 'The only one willing to do the hard part' and runs until January 27, 2027.
  • The installation features photographic wallpaper of a discount clothing store with flower graphics and handwritten text.
  • Ford's practice uses plastic and industrial materials, referencing Henri Matisse, Minimalism, and Pop Art.
  • The Fridericianum previously installed works by Kerstin Brätsch and Karl Holmqvist in non-exhibition spaces.
  • Ford had solo exhibitions at Kunstverein Gartenhaus (2025), Whitney Museum (2024), and The Print Center (2023).
  • Group exhibitions include MoMA PS1 (2023, 2021), White Columns (2023), Buffalo AKG Art Museum (2022), and SculptureCenter (2016).
  • Curators: Larissa Hüttenhein, Justin Delor, and Luise von Nobbe.

Entities

Artists

  • Raque Ford
  • Henri Matisse
  • Kerstin Brätsch
  • Karl Holmqvist

Institutions

  • Fridericianum
  • Kunstverein Gartenhaus
  • Whitney Museum of American Art
  • The Print Center
  • MoMA PS1
  • White Columns
  • Buffalo AKG Art Museum
  • SculptureCenter

Locations

  • Columbia
  • Maryland
  • New York
  • Kassel
  • Vienna
  • Philadelphia

Sources