In his series of photographic collages, the artist makes reference to links between architectural aesthetics and functionality.
Nicolas Grospierre’s project consists of six pictures. The first shows a nearly finished house, which in the subsequent images appears to be growing, with the addition of new wings, walls, and even turrets to the original building. In the last image, the house has become a huge chaotic and shapeless construction. Grospierre’s series remains open-ended: although only six images were created, there is always the possibility to place additional walls on the façade.
In previous projects, Grospierre has analysed the reasons for the fall of modernism, referring to it in his series Destroyed Block (2006), Modern Village (2003–2010) and, most famously, Kolorobloki (2005–2006). Describing his quest, he said:
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My works could be perceived as a form of criticism of modernism, but I must emphasise that this is not just criticism based on resentment. It is rather a statement, an attempt to show that something has gone wrong, because I identify myself with ideas of progress, believe in them, and yearn for them.
The House Which Grows is closer to social reality than artistic theory. The growing building transforms according to the changing needs of its residents.
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Please remember two things we often observe in Poland: unplastered, unfinished houses which are nevertheless inhabited, and ‘extensions’, the fruit of many years of saving. By referring to such practices (which buck the trends of architectural art), I decided to facetiously enhance the phenomenon of ‘growing’ residences to a truly insane degree. My house is growing like mushrooms – or, rather, mould – after the rain.
Originally written in Polish, translated by AG, edited by MB, Dec 2018
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standardowy [760 px]
This text is part of the project Metaphors of Independence: Poland In 100 Photos.
To coincide with the centenary of Poland regaining its independence, we have created a selection of photographs that allow us to understand both yesterday and today. A hundred photographs but so much more. Find out more.