Curating in the Continuous Present: A Rehearsal For Gertrude Stein's Objects Lie on a Table

Custom-made 10’ diameter rotating platform, 2014, and 25 boxes, 2016

Custom-made 10’ diameter rotating platform, 2014, and 25 boxes, 2016. Wood. Designed by Emelie Chhangur, Michael Maranda, and Suzanne Carte and fabricated by Brian Davis and Carmen Schroeder. Courtesy of the Art Gallery of York University, Toronto.



“What is the difference between houses and a table. What is the difference between objects on a table and furniture in houses. Had you ever thought of that. Objects on a table make a standpoint of recompense and result, furniture in houses do decide matters.” (Objects 108) 

These “tables” are custom designed to do other things other than simply table. They are objects that act as tables, sometimes. When they are boxes, they contain, rather than display, for instance. Boxes stacked become shelves, alone they become seats, or, when arranged together on the floor, they become platforms to stand on—like a stage. They also act as plinths, assuming the role of gallery furniture (rather than the role of apple boxes for theatre).

The oversized, 10’ diameter “lazy susan” turns. What is usually found holding spices in the cupboards of kitchens is now on the floor “housing” objects or hosting roundtable discussions. Tables play an active role in this composition. The alter has been altered. The tableau has come off the wall.

​GO BACK TO it is by no means strange to arrange

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