Untitled, 1999-2000 Norwegian artist Per Barclay has long been interested in power structure and how they are often invisible to members of the public. Structures (like the patriarchy, religion) can have existed for so long and suppressed the population so overwhelmingly that many cannot see it for what it is. Parclay placed two inflatable parachute silk structures in the ground floor space. Each was inflated by a motorized fan and as the air in the silk structure varied the forms changed and formed more or less of a barrier to entry or movement in the space. The forms seemed gentle and benign, like many institutional barriers yet restricted and directed the movement and freedom of the visitor.
Per Barclay Untitled, 1999-2000 Installations 1991-2000. Installation view, exhibition at the Museum of Installation, 2000. Photograph: David Grandorge.