However, although the white cube holds spaces across the globe, its dominant and stubborn focus on maintaining a neutral space for artworks on the walls or floors remains the same since its founding, a problem in an ever changing art world. Visitors and art galleries have swayed to prioritising experience and hold more visually appealing spaces, showcasing film, projection, installations, keeping inspiration alive and maintaining the modern expectations of our world.
Does the white cube intend to change? Will its traditional presentation of works, what was once its rise, become its fall?
The white cube remains tailored for specific artworks, limiting what it can show. Nowadays, the trend is for the artworks to have its main character moment, with the structures tailored around it. But the white cube refuses to change. It seems like the space is the artwork, not the artworks themselves.
The space is the artwork, not the artworks themselves
The traditional white space can often be intimidating to those not involved in the art world. Walking into a quiet, clean room where there is no place to sit and absorb the art, makes it inaccessible to many. Although the white space creates a bland backdrop for colour, textures and shapes to be shown off, without distraction, while having a timeless atmosphere giving the artwork an eternal freedom. It can unintentionally create a daunting environment.
So yes, the white cube remains relevant, but I think it might need to go outside its internal walls and discover what is outside.