Exploring the Immersive World of Moving Images at CAM Gulbenkian
Unveiling the Cutting-Edge H BOX and its Captivating Video Art Program
As the doors of the reimagined Centro de Arte Moderna (CAM) Gulbenkian open in Lisbon, one of the most anticipated features is the arrival of the innovative H BOX – a state-of-the-art screening space dedicated to showcasing the latest in video art. Launched in 2007 at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the H BOX has since traveled the globe, sharing the inquisitive visions of young artists through a changing selection of commissioned works.
Now, this remarkable cinematic vessel has found a new home within the Gulbenkian’s beautifully revamped art museum, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the captivating world of moving images. Designed by architect Fiúza-Faustino, the H BOX’s high-tech aluminum structure, inspired by the form of a spaceship, provides the perfect setting to experience video art at the highest quality.
As you step inside the H BOX, you’ll be greeted by a carefully curated selection of 12 cutting-edge video works, each one offering a unique perspective on our ever-changing world. From the conceptual explorations of Rosa Barba to the thought-provoking narratives of Cao Fei, the inaugural program promises to challenge and inspire.
One of the standout pieces is Barba’s “The Empirical Effect,” which uses the metaphor of Mount Vesuvius to delve into the complex relationship between society and politics. Survivors of the volcano’s last eruption in 1944 share their stories, blending documentary and fiction to create a captivating exploration of the “Red Zone” around the volcano’s crater.
Cao Fei’s “Machinima” also pushes the boundaries of the medium, utilizing the virtual world of Second Life® to create a layered narrative that reflects on the rapidly evolving nature of contemporary life. By employing the technique of “Machinima,” which emerged from the early days of online gaming, Fei seamlessly weaves together fiction and documentation, inviting viewers to consider the multifaceted realities we all inhabit.
But the H BOX’s offerings don’t stop there. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the works of Ali Kazma, Omer Fast, Nikhil Chopra, Munir Kabani, Sebastián Díaz Morales, Kota Ezawa, Wang Jianwei, and Sara Ramo, each offering a unique perspective on the moving image.
As you navigate the H BOX, you’ll be struck by the sheer diversity of the video art on display, from Kazma’s intimate exploration of taxidermy in “Taxidermista” to Nashat’s meticulously composed “Plaques,” which finds unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated narrative elements.
The H BOX’s arrival at CAM Gulbenkian marks a significant moment for the art world, not only in Portugal but globally. By providing a dedicated space for the exhibition of cutting-edge video art, the institution is solidifying its commitment to supporting the next generation of artists and pushing the boundaries of what the moving image can achieve.
Architectural Brilliance and the Engawa Connection
The H BOX’s new home within the CAM Gulbenkian building is no less remarkable than the video art it showcases. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the reimagined museum seamlessly integrates with the surrounding Gulbenkian gardens, creating a harmonious and immersive experience for visitors.
At the heart of Kuma’s design is the introduction of the “Engawa,” a sheltered walkway typical of traditional Japanese architecture. This transitional space, neither fully inside nor outside, serves as a bridge between the museum and the lush greenery that envelops it, inviting visitors to move fluidly between the two realms.
Crafted using a combination of wood and white ceramic tiles, the Engawa’s sweeping canopy structure extends approximately 107 meters long and 15 meters wide, creating a gentle curve that echoes the natural forms of the landscape. This interplay between the built environment and the natural world is a hallmark of Kuma’s design philosophy, which aims to create “soft and humane architecture” that fosters a deep connection between people and their surroundings.
The Engawa’s seamless integration with the Gulbenkian gardens is further enhanced by the expansion of the outdoor spaces, creating a dense urban forest that visitors can explore. Landscape designer Vladimir Djurovic has meticulously curated this verdant oasis, blending native plant species and creating a serene, contemplative atmosphere that complements the museum’s mission to inspire and engage.
As visitors approach the CAM Gulbenkian, the Engawa’s striking presence immediately sets the tone, inviting them to step into a world where art, architecture, and nature converge. This architectural masterpiece, a collaboration between Kuma, Djurovic, and the Gulbenkian Foundation, has transformed the museum into a true destination, one that celebrates the power of design to enhance the human experience.
Connecting the Past, Present, and Future
The H BOX’s arrival at the CAM Gulbenkian not only showcases the cutting edge of video art but also represents a bridge between the institution’s rich history and its vision for the future. As the museum embarks on this new chapter, it is poised to become a hub for artistic exploration and innovation, drawing inspiration from the legacy of the Gulbenkian Foundation and the boundless potential of the moving image.
The Gulbenkian Foundation, named after the renowned collector and philanthropist Calouste Gulbenkian, has long been a driving force in the cultural landscape of Lisbon. Established in 1956, the foundation has amassed an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Portuguese art, which now forms the core of the CAM Gulbenkian’s holdings.
The original CAM building, designed by British architect Leslie Martin, opened its doors in 1983, providing a dedicated space to showcase this remarkable collection and foster a deeper understanding of Portuguese art. Now, with Kengo Kuma’s reimagining of the space, the museum is poised to take on an even more dynamic role, embracing the latest developments in the art world and positioning itself as a leading destination for video art enthusiasts and contemporary art aficionados alike.
The H BOX’s incorporation into the CAM Gulbenkian’s programming is a testament to the institution’s commitment to staying at the forefront of artistic expression. By providing a dedicated platform for the exhibition of cutting-edge video works, the museum is not only honoring its past but also charting a bold new course for the future.
Through the H BOX, the CAM Gulbenkian is inviting visitors to explore the boundless potential of the moving image, to engage with the diverse perspectives and innovative approaches of emerging and established artists. It is a space where the past, present, and future converge, where the legacy of the Gulbenkian Foundation is reinterpreted and reimagined for a new generation of art lovers.
Embracing the Future of Video Art
As the H BOX takes up residence within the CAM Gulbenkian, it signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of video art and the institution’s commitment to nurturing this dynamic medium. The carefully curated selection of works on display, ranging from the conceptual explorations of Rosa Barba to the technologically-driven narratives of Cao Fei, underscores the breadth and depth of contemporary video art practices.
One of the key strengths of the H BOX is its ability to adapt and evolve, showcasing a changing program of commissioned works that keep pace with the ever-shifting landscape of the moving image. This commitment to staying current and relevant ensures that the CAM Gulbenkian remains a hub for the most innovative and thought-provoking artistic expressions.
Moreover, the H BOX’s high-tech, immersive environment, designed by Fiúza-Faustino, elevates the viewing experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the captivating worlds created by the artists. The space’s state-of-the-art audio and visual systems, housed within a sleek, spacecraft-inspired structure, create a truly captivating and immersive experience, transporting visitors to realms beyond the boundaries of the physical gallery.
As the CAM Gulbenkian continues to evolve and expand its programming, the H BOX will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the institution’s identity as a leading center for contemporary art. By embracing the power of the moving image and providing a dedicated platform for video art, the museum is positioning itself as a vital hub for artistic exploration and cultural exchange, both within Portugal and on a global scale.
The arrival of the H BOX at the CAM Gulbenkian marks a significant milestone in the institution’s history, signaling a renewed commitment to pushing the boundaries of what art can achieve. Through this innovative space, the museum invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery, to engage with the most cutting-edge artistic expressions and to expand their understanding of the ever-evolving world of video art.
Conclusion: A New Era of Artistic Exploration
The unveiling of the H BOX at the Centro de Arte Moderna (CAM) Gulbenkian in Lisbon represents a pivotal moment in the institution’s history, as well as a significant development in the world of video art. This state-of-the-art screening space, with its carefully curated program of cutting-edge works, promises to captivate and inspire visitors, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the captivating realm of moving images.
As the CAM Gulbenkian embarks on this new chapter, it does so with a deep appreciation for its past and a bold vision for the future. The museum’s rich history, rooted in the legacy of the Gulbenkian Foundation and its impressive collection of modern and contemporary Portuguese art, provides a solid foundation upon which the institution can build.
The introduction of the H BOX, with its high-tech design and commitment to showcasing the work of emerging and established video artists, signals the museum’s unwavering dedication to supporting the most innovative and thought-provoking artistic expressions. By providing a dedicated platform for the moving image, the CAM Gulbenkian is positioning itself as a hub for cultural exchange and artistic exploration, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the power of video art.
Moreover, the seamless integration of the H BOX into the museum’s reimagined architecture, designed by the renowned Kengo Kuma, further enhances the overall visitor experience. The Engawa, a transitional space that blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior, creates a sense of harmony between the built environment and the lush Gulbenkian gardens, inviting visitors to engage with art and nature in equal measure.
As the CAM Gulbenkian embarks on this new era, it is clear that the institution is poised to play a pivotal role in the evolution of video art and contemporary art more broadly. Through the H BOX and its ever-changing program of commissioned works, the museum will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, captivating and inspiring audiences with the boundless potential of the moving image.
