With a strongly emblematic title, MENS REA, Lawrence Weiner’s new exhibition at Giorgio Persano in Turin is divided into three sentences that unfold along the perimeter of the walls.
Starting with the presumption that thought is guilty only when it generates an action, within the space of the gallery the artist presents concrete examples of things that on the one hand are associated with concept, while on the other they are ready to free themselves into an infinity of new considerations.
Weiner thus foresees the maximum level of interpretative autonomy for the public, to whom he passes the responsibility for the presumed verdict: if the mind is guilty, what results remains open to judgement.
Suspended in doubt if this way, the phrases offer no replies but suggest possible questions that are open to a variety of interpretations.
A central figure in Conceptual Art, Weiner’s work has been appreciated around the world since 1960. His way of producing art by dematerialising the art object itself into pure language has contributed to a clear turning point in the history of art.
His works are to be found in the contemporary art collections of leading international museums.
A major exhibition of his work is currently open at the Stedelijk Museum of Amsterdam.
Lawrence Weiner was born in 1942 in New York, where he lives and works.
