The World Goes Pop – London, UK

2015 – Built

The World Goes Pop at the Tate Modern in London presented a new, global perspective on Pop Art, investigating how different cultures and countries responded to the movement and challenging the common perception of Pop Art as a celebration of western consumer culture. 

Working closely with the curators Jessica Morgan and Flavia Frigeri, Delvendahl Martin Architects developed an exhibition concept and spatial sequence that both emphasised the curatorial themes of the exhibition and at the same time provided a coherent visual language that tied together the diverse range of artworks. 

Contrary to the neutral white traditionally used as a backdrop in art galleries, the walls for this exhibition were painted in a rich palette of carefully selected colours. The chromatic sequence developed both supported the curatorial themes of the exhibition but also corresponded to the individual pieces, acting as a unifying principal for the display of the diverse works. The colours wrapped around corners and down to floor level by way of specially constructed plinths that cut through the space creating a visual connection between the rooms of the gallery. The plinths served a multiple purpose; as an architectural device to guide visitors through the exhibition, a means to define a natural distance between the viewer and artwork, and as bold platforms on which the exuberant art works were displayed.

Project Team
Finbarr O'Dempsey
Max Gelibter

 

Curatorial Team
Jessica Morgan
Flavia Frigeri
Elsa Coustou

Contractor
The Hub

Photography
Tim Crocker