Boites

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.