Past Event
What do Thomas Hirschhorn, Wolfgang Puck and Madonna have in common? They all spent time in Whitechapel Gallery’s former café – a place where visitors could pause halfway through exhibitions for mini eclairs, smoked salmon or chicken curry with rice.
In 2000, artist Thomas Hirschhorn built a bridge connecting the café to the anarchist bookshop next door; celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck taught cooking classes on soup; and singer Madonna autographed a receipt after a meal of chocolate croissants and tea. The café became a hotspot for music and spoken word performances by local musicians and artists.
Over two months Duchamp & Sons have collaborated with artist duo Wright & Vandame to explore alternative histories, transforming spaces, high/low culture and the uncanny; interweaving fact and fiction to create a new installation and timeline.
For one weekend only, Whitechapel Gallery’s former café reopens serving free coffee and croissants, archival information and reimagined stories. Visit the space and dine on a meal of truths and lies.
See behind the scenes of the project on Instagram and Twitter @duchampandsons
Read Duchamp & Sons interview with Wright & Vandame here.