Waiting as Ritual: Marco Senaldi on the Paradox of Museum Queues
In an editorial for Artribune, philosopher and art theorist Marco Senaldi reflects on the transformation of waiting in contemporary museum culture. He argues that the experience of queuing, once a tedious interruption, has become a productive opportunity for digital engagement—checking email, posting on social media—while the actual art recedes into opacity. Senaldi uses the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris as a case study, describing its postmodern architecture by Frank Gehry and the strict security protocols that create a penitential wait. The foundation currently hosts a double retrospective of Egon Schiele and Jean-Michel Basquiat, both of whom died at age 28. Despite the impeccable installation and lighting, Senaldi contends that the artists' existential suffering and creative struggle are erased by the total transparency of the exhibition machine. He contrasts this with the potential discovery found in obscure provincial museums. The editorial, published in Artribune Magazine #46, draws on historical references from World War I trenches to Antonioni and Paolo Conte, arguing that waiting has shifted from existential dread to a virtual lifeline. Senaldi concludes that visibility has become complete opacity, and the art itself has been canceled—like the wait.
Key facts
- Marco Senaldi wrote an editorial titled 'L’attesa' for Artribune Magazine #46.
- The editorial critiques the experience of waiting in contemporary museums.
- Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris is cited as a prime example of museum queuing culture.
- The foundation features architecture by Frank Gehry with overlapping, dislocated sails.
- Visitors undergo airport-style security and long waits before entering exhibitions.
- The current exhibition is a double retrospective of Egon Schiele and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
- Both Schiele and Basquiat died at age 28.
- Senaldi argues that the exhibition's perfection erases the artists' suffering and creativity.
- He suggests that visibility has become opacity, and the art is eclipsed by the apparatus.
- Senaldi recommends visiting obscure provincial museums for a more authentic experience.
- The editorial traces the history of waiting from WWI trenches to modern digital distraction.
- Waiting is now seen as an opportunity to engage with social media and email.
- Artribune Magazine is an Italian art publication.
- Senaldi is a philosopher, curator, and contemporary art theorist with a PhD.
- He has taught at University of Milan Bicocca, IULM Milan, FMAV Modena, and Brera Academy.
- The article was published in 2019.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Senaldi
- Egon Schiele
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Frank Gehry
- Paolo Conte
Institutions
- Fondation Louis Vuitton
- Artribune
- Artribune Magazine
- University of Milan Bicocca
- IULM Milan
- FMAV Modena
- Brera Academy
Locations
- Paris
- France