The Luminous Interval

"The Luminous Interval" accompanies the Guggenheim Museum's eponymous exhibition of works drawn from the D. Daskalopoulos collection. Daskalopoulos' collecting practices are inspired in part by the writings of the Greek philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis, who envisioned life as the "luminous interval" bridging the twin abysses of birth and death. Balancing renderings of chaotic fragmentation with forms defined by geometric containment and restraint, the works explore the coexistence of hope and despair within the human condition. Encompassing works in various media by more than 30 artists, including Steve McQueen, Wangechi Mutu, Rivane Neuenschwander and Walid Raad, the result is a survey of some of the most salient artistic developments of recent decades. This fully illustrated catalogue features an interview with Daskalopoulos and critical essays by philosopher Simon Critchley with Jamieson Webster and art critic Brian Sholis.