carlos teixeira: the other, the same

‘the other, the same’ by carlos teixeira, sao paulo, brazil  images courtesy of nelson kon, camila piccolo, leonardo finotti, and carlos teixeira

brazilian architect carlos teixeira of vazio s/a designed ‘the other, the same’, a temporary installation space that was located within the pavilion at the 29th annual sao paulo art biennial. 

the theme of the biennial ‘there is always a cup of sea to sail in’, incorporated six ‘terreiros’ exhibitions named for the jorge luis borges book of the same title. the modular spaces were each realized by various artists and architects as a curatorial strategy to shelter events, to create conviviality areas and to foment discussions that integrate the exhibition platform. spread throughout the exhibition hall, the interactive installations become designated areas for rest and events.

doorways and portholes draw users into the maze

each piece is unique and intended for specific interactions

constructed out of layers of cardboard that are built on top of mobile platforms, ‘the other, the same’ acted as a stage for performance presentations that use the body as their leitmotiv. in its original configuration the structures define a space that is isolated from the rest of the 25,000 square meter pavilion.  when shuffled, the irrational arrangements invade its immediate environment and transforms itself, extrapolating the area in which it exists. when contracted, the ‘terreiro’ reveals a labyrinth to create an irregular, unsteady area that tarnishes the contiguity both inside and outside. 

different shapes work together to create the maze-like space

assembling the installation

multiple volumes compose the ‘terreiro’

detail

detail of the layers of cardboard

the unit broken into individual platforms