Sam Jacob analyzes how power aesthetics evolve from 1980s fashion to contemporary gallery architecture
Sam Jacob examines how visual representations of power have transformed across different eras and contexts. In the 1980s, power dressing featured shoulder pads and tailored suits, reflecting corporate individualism. Architectural examples include the US Capitol's Neoclassical design, which evokes democratic ideals, and the Palace of Westminster's Gothic Revival style, suggesting historical intrigue. During Tony Blair's premiership in the 1990s, informal 'sofa cabinet' meetings contrasted with the formal Cabinet Room designed by William Kent at 10 Downing Street. Contemporary art spaces like Tate Modern, housed in a former industrial building, demonstrate how power now hides in plain sight through neutral environments. The white cube gallery, devoid of historical ornamentation, has become a new seat of cultural authority. This shift toward normalized aesthetics allows power to camouflage itself within everyday landscapes while maintaining influence. The article originally appeared in ArtReview's November 2014 issue.
Key facts
- Power dressing in the 1980s involved shoulder pads and tailored suits
- The US Capitol uses Neoclassical architecture to symbolize democracy
- The Palace of Westminster employs Gothic Revival design
- William Kent designed 10 Downing Street's Cabinet Room in the 18th century
- Tony Blair's 'sofa cabinet' emerged in the 1990s as informal governance
- Tate Modern occupies a converted industrial structure
- Contemporary galleries use white cube aesthetics as power symbols
- The article was published in November 2014
Entities
Artists
- Sam Jacob
- William Kent
- Tony Blair
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Tate Modern
- US Capitol
- Palace of Westminster
- 10 Downing Street
- Louvre
Locations
- United States
- Britain
- London
- Washington D.C.
- Middle East
- Rome