Michael Landy transforms the SLG into 'Art Bin',
a container for the disposal of works of art. As people
discard their art works the enormous 600m³ bin becomes,
in Michael Landy’s words, “a monument to creative failure”. Landy famously destroyed all his possessions in
his 2001 installation 'Break Down' and this major new
work also raises issues around disposal, destruction,
value and ownership. 'Art Bin' foregrounds the role of
subjectivity in the attribution of value, as well as the
significance of emotional attachments. Exposing the
ultimate power and influence of both perceived and
actual monetary value, the work also questions the
relationship between ownership and authorship. 'Art Bin'
toys with the role of art institutions in making and
possibly breaking careers, acknowledges their important
role in the art market, and makes reference to the
derision with which contemporary art is sometimes treated. Until 14 March 2010 works can be brought to the
South London Gallery to be disposed of in 'Art Bin' from
Tuesday to Sunday, 12-6pm. Alternatively, artists and
collectors can visit www.art-bin.co.uk to apply to
dispose of works, multiple applications are welcome. www.art-bin.co.uk | 
