α + ο -
Arthur Fouray
α + ο -
Nastassia Cougoulat Montel
α + ο - is a collaborative curatorial practice, observing objects as its primary focus. It aims to engage the viewer in a conversation about pop culture, through the mix of objects, from leftovers to art pieces to consumables. Through the prism of α + ο -, objects are seen as the notes and tones used to write music, or the combinations of signs supporting languages and speech.
The research process of α + ο - starts with a constant onlooker attitude, often discovering objects by chance while being on the move. It is then refined via multiple phases of selection, extraction, juxtaposition, and presentation.
The selection stems from a careful validation process with visual appeal, heterogeneity, social values and cultural idioms as criteria.
A photoshoot of the objects constitutes the extraction phase. The pictures are processed as clipped pack-shots to appear ‘neutral’ and disconnected from ‘real-life’ situations.
The website a-plus-o-min.us is a showcase, a collection, a catalogue, a database connecting, juxtaposing, and mixing cross-cultural elements (objects).
In physical contexts of presentation, such as an exhibition context or a nightclub, objects can be presented and used as ready-mades, gestures, ingredients, or even representations.
Inspired by advertising and merchandising methods as well as attitudes inherited from the contemporary art field, α + ο - engages critical thinking on the relations of humans with consumerism.