Boites | Harvard Art Museums

Gallery Text

As one of the cofounders of the Madi, a group of artists that formed in Buenos Aires in the 1940s, Arden Quin created pieces that reflect the experimental, interdisciplinary approach that was fundamental to the movement. The Madi had two principal beliefs: that art could be created through diverse means and in unconventional media, such as neon, metal, cardboard, or water; and that it should engage viewers on multiple levels, inviting them to touch and even to manipulate it, thereby sparking intellectual curiosity. This object demonstrates one of Arden Quin’s central concerns: the intersection between word and image. The Boites are among a series of simple forms bearing text that he created. The small boxes can be arranged by the viewer to create different sentences. Arden Quin wanted the audience to play with them and literally construct “the meaning” of art through the juxtaposition of words and boxes. Humor pervades many of his works, poking fun at historical pretensions about art’s definition, purpose, and preferred materials.

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 2012.150
People: Carmelo Arden Quin, Argentinian (Rivera, Uruguay 1913 - 2010 Paris, France)
Title: Boites
Classification: Sculpture
Work Type: sculpture
Date: c. 1950
Culture: Uruguayan
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/340156

Physical Descriptions

Medium: Painted cardboard and wood, 7 pieces
Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.6 x 7.6 cm (3 x 3 x 3 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History: Carmelo Arden Quin (1951-2010) sold to; David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, Harvard University (2010-2012) transferred to; Harvard Art Museums, 2012
NOTE: Information about acquisition provided by Jose Falconi, Curator for David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, Harvard University

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line: Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Transfer from the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, Harvard University, Estrellita Bograd Brodsky Fund for Latin American Art and Culture and Gustavo E. Brillembourg Memorial Fund
Accession Year: 2012
Object Number: 2012.150
Division: Modern and Contemporary Art
Contact: am_moderncontemporary@harvard.edu
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Exhibition History

32Q: 1100 60’s Experiment, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 11/16/2014 - 10/13/2016

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Modern and Contemporary Art at am_moderncontemporary@harvard.edu

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2012.150: Boites