Window, Cell Phone, and Museum

Ana Teixeira, Convivência [Apr 2nd, with Ivan], 2020. Projections on neighboring buildings, action for isolation times

Against the background of the current crisis, Brunella’s article investigates the direction art is taking in the face of limited access to specialized spaces such as museums and concert halls. A recent fact is the creation of virtual galleries devoted to exhibiting works expressing feelings that that have emerged in times of restricted circulation and long-distance relationships.

It is great to see many artists and cultural producers reacting to adversity with new ways of presenting drama and film. Visual artists as well. Ana Teixeira is an artist who is looking for new paths. Since early April, she has been developing Coexistence series from the window of her apartment in São Paulo. Ana Teixeira comments this artwork in her website: “During the Covid19 pandemic, and its consequent isolation, windows have been one of our ways of contact with the outside, with the other, the unknown who is also at your window seeking contact. Coexistence is a silent and punctual action. It consists of the projection of words and phrases in neighboring buildings. I’m looking for someone I don’t see and who doesn’t see me. We are in contact and this is one of the possible ways of living in times of isolation.”

In “Janela, Celular e Museu” [Window, Cell Phone, and Museum], my contributions regarded the field of visual arts and museums. Museums will have to face many different challenges going forward, particularly in Brazil, where visiting them is not a habit and where difficulties are always increasingly. 

Whereas contact with artworks is irreplaceable, it is clear that mutual collaboration between artists and museums is more necessary than ever. This moment brings opportunities, mainly for institutions, as it involves revision of their raison d’être. Museums need to look for alternatives in order to bring art closer to the public, something that is more effective—and affective—than virtual visits, educational games, or interviews with curators. Simply displaying art is not enough. The time has come for museums to make art. Let them join the artists!

Ana Teixeira, Convivência [Apr 16th, with Eliane Brum], 2020. Projections on neighboring buildings, action for isolation times