Tate Modern embraces cork
Tate Modern embraces cork
TATE MODERN IS LINED WITH CORK IN AN INSTALLATION DESIGNED BY SUPERFLEX.
Visitors to the "Hyundai Commission: SUPERFLEX: One Two Three Swing!" are now able to walk along a colossal cork installation, presented in the Tate Modern - one of the world's most respected contemporary art institutions. About 5,000 m2 of an innovative cork composite have been applied in Turbine Hall - an iconic space within the museum designed for large-scale projects. The exhibition runs until 2 April, 2018.
The challenge posed to Amorim triggered the development of a new cork composite that, unlike previously tested materials, can meet extremely demanding requirements in terms of large-scale impact absorption [predicting falls from a height of 2-3 meters] and resistance to wear and tear [last year's edition, also held in Turbine Hall, received around 3 million visitors].
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New cork composite developed specifically for this project
The new cork composite is based on an unprecedented combination of natural color and expanded cork granules. In addition to the aforementioned advantages, it was conceived respecting other requirements of the project, in particular in terms of dimensional stability, waterproofing and resistance to natural sunlight. In addition to extending throughout Turbine Hall, cork also appears outside the Tate Modern, and has also been selected as the main material of the swings - a key element of this exhibition concept, presented by SUPERFLEX.
“Cork has a function which is important here, it works as an elastic floor. When you have the swings, you need a surface that is soft (...) "Above all it’s an organic material instead of a plastic material. It serves a purpose, it serves a function. At the same time, it’s also soft. The swings are also made of cork.”
“Central to Superflex’s installation One Two Three Swing! is a forest of swings that sit on a stunning cork wall to wall floor. Inspired by its unique natural properties, aroma, color and use as an impact-approved surface the artists were compelled to use this stunning material in a new and exciting way on a scale never explored before. Amorim we thank you for helping us realize this year’s Turbine hall installation for the thousands of visitors that will enjoy it over its life time here at Tate Modern.”
“The motivation of our R&D teams and the expertise with the material were key to promptly provide the development of a new typology of cork (...) After the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion and the Victoria & Albert Museum, we’re extremely proud to see that cork is once again playing a crucial role in a major cultural event in the UK, this time in the Tate Modern.”
The largest cork installation presented in the United Kingdom
This is the largest-ever cork installation to be presented in the United Kingdom. The work is led by SUPERFLEX, a Danish collective that has become internationally renowned for its interests in urban spaces and the way that art can be used to question society’s authenticity.
Selection of cork for the 3rd edition of the Hyundai Commission - which this year is positioned as an experimentation and leisure space - was mediated by KWY, a multidisciplinary research platform that combines architects, curators and creative artists from various fields, to design and support the development of projects.
Since the Tate Modern opened in 2000, Turbine Hall has hosted some of the world's most memorable and acclaimed works of contemporary art, which have been seen by millions of visitors. The way artists have interpreted this vast industrial space has revolutionized public perceptions of contemporary art in the 21st century.