Shortcut Full search								<Previous 2000-2009 work Next 2000-2009 work> Rirkrit Tiravanija, Untitled 2002 (he promised), 2002. Chrome and stainless steel, Approx: 116 x 472 x 236 inches. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Purchased with funds contributed by the International Director's Council and Executive Committee Members: Ruth Baum, Edythe Broad, Elaine Terner Cooper, Dimitris Daskalopoulos, Harry David, Gail May Engelberg, Shirley Fiterman, Nicki Harris, Dakis Joannou. 2004.124.
								Rirkrit Tiravanija's (b. 1961, Buenos Aires, raised in Thailand) installations break down the barriers between art and life and artist and viewer. Rather than creating discrete objects, Tiravanija offers up situations for social interaction that depend on audience participation. His art is distinguished by a remarkable spirit of generosity: Past projects have included cooking and offering meals to the public, as well as providing an array of free activities from film screenings to massages. Although Tiravanija’s primary medium is people, a number of his works have comprised physical structures that function as settings or loci for activity. In 1997, he created a miniature model of Philip Johnson's famous Glass House (1949) in MoMA's garden to be used as a classroom for children. Similarly, the chrome and stainless-steel structure in Untitled 2002 (he promised) (2002) was modeled on R. M. Schindler’s open-structure studio and residence in West Hollywood (1921–22). First exhibited at the Vienna Secession for two months in 2002, the work recently premiered in New York for four days last October, during which time the public was treated to free Pilates and yoga classes, a film and lecture series, face-painting for children, and an all-night concert. Ted Mann