The American artist lands on the roof of the MAMO – Cité Radieuse Arts Center in Marseille, founded by French designer Ora Ito, with an installation celebrating the work of Le Corbusier. Arsham studies the concept of art and history, reflecting on the relationship between past and future and transposing his research through objects characteristic of pop culture. Elements of the sporting sphere are a constant in his work, both because of a strong personal interest and because of the importance of recreation moments in the social vision of each era. The sport theme is brought to life in a setting historically dedicated to a gymnasium, and is elevated to a more artistic and less habitual concept. Arsham revisits Le Corbusier’s architecture by concretely reflecting on the linearity of time, the evolution and growth of every aspect of one’s life and work. The paving of the courtyard picks up on the pastel shades of yellow and blue present in Le Poeme de L’angle Droit (1955), the detail of the sun is here transformed into the representation of basketballs that we find on flags, banners, game uniforms and on the court. On the outdoor terrace he exhibits a series of Greco-Roman-inspired bronze sculptures characterised by his recognisable crystal erosion technique. The homage to Le Corbusier is evident in the style, in the appeal of his colour palette, and in the design of the installation itself. A true reflection on how architecture reflects human life in its being strong, impactful, but at the same time fleeting, elusive.
Le Modulor du Basketball will be open to the public until 25 September.
