Nancy Rubins, MoMA & Airplane Parts, 1995, view of the exhibition Unknown Quantity by Paul Virilio, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris, 2002. © Nancy Rubins. Picture © André Morin.
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Exhibition overview

Unknown Quantity came about as the result of a long-standing interest in the writings and thought of Paul Virilio. Unknown Quantity intends to re-investigate the thought of one of today’s most important contemporary theorists, exploring one of the most important issues raised in his recent writings: the increasing development of accidents as an indirect consequence of man’s inventions.

Artists and contributors of the exhibition:
  • Svetlana Alexievitch,
  • Dominic Angerame,
  • Jem Cohen,
  • Bruce Conner,
  • Cai Guo-Qiang,
  • Peter Hutton,
  • Jonas Mekas,
  • Aernout Mik,
  • Tony Oursler,
  • Artavazd Pelechian,
  • Nancy Rubins,
  • Wolfgang Staehle,
  • Moira Tierney,
  • Andrei Ujica,
  • Paul Virilio

The exhibition in detail

This exhibition by no means intends to provide a complete overview of the history of accidents, nor does it explore the many ways in which the accident manifests itself in art. Instead, through a selection of documents and the work of contemporary artists, it aims to open up a discussion on the accident and its impact on our world.

On the ground floor of the foundation spaces, a monumental installation by architect Lebbeus Woods and a colossal sculpture by artist Nancy Rubins evoke the concepts of suspension and falling. On the lower level, films and videos by artists, together with a compilation of archive television footage, look to reveal the mystery of those accidents that alter the course of our existence.

Image gallery

View of the exhibition Unknown Quantity by Paul Virilio, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris, 2002

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Picture

© André Morin

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View of the exhibition Unknown Quantity by Paul Virilio, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris, 2002

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Picture

© André Morin

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View of the exhibition Unknown Quantity by Paul Virilio, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris, 2002

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Picture

© André Morin

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