Daniel Arsham: the Future Was Written

An interactive exhibition that begins with nearly 2,000 objects made of chalk and evolves with the markings, drawings and words of gallery visitors through Miami Art Week.

Daniel Arsham transforms audiences to another time through this immersive and evolving exhibition of new works at the YoungArts Gallery, beginning with nearly 2,000 objects made of chalk, and evolving with the markings, drawings and words of gallery visitors through Miami Art Week on the gallery’s black chalkboard walls. In signature Arsham style, these objects represent body parts, such as hands and faces as well as outmoded communication devices including cameras, telephones, video game controllers, and computers.

Visitors of all ages are encouraged to write, draw and make their markings on the walls of the gallery, with the chalk casts progressively disappearing throughout the duration of the show. Epitomizing many of the prevalent themes and motifs in Arsham’s work—including the interplay of archaeology and architecture, eroding environments overtaken by nature, and the blurred line between the real and imagined—the exhibition will provide vistiors with a unique experience as actors and creators over a couple months’ time.

Curated by Franklin Sirmans, the Director of Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). As a curator, writer and editor, Sirmans has established himself as one of the leading voices in contemporary art. Before arriving at PAMM, he served as department head and curator of contemporary art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and is former U.S. Editor of Flash Art and Editor-in-Chief of ArtAsiaPacific. Sirmans is the 2007 recipient of the David C. Driskell Prize presented by the High Museum.