This thesis explored in what ways, and to what extent Ahmet Öğüt’s 'Intern VIP Lounge' (2013) can be considered ‘critical practice.’ 'Intern VIP Lounge' was a VIP lounge at Art Dubai 2013 that was...Show moreThis thesis explored in what ways, and to what extent Ahmet Öğüt’s 'Intern VIP Lounge' (2013) can be considered ‘critical practice.’ 'Intern VIP Lounge' was a VIP lounge at Art Dubai 2013 that was exclusively accessible for interns working at the art fair or the galleries in Dubai. Situated at the heart of an art fair, Öğüt’s artistic installation focused on art world’s intern. The thesis’ three chapters consecutively address the subject of the intern in relation to the ‘precariat’ and context of the precarious condition; the installation as a space of ‘unconcealment’ making visible the ‘natural order of things’ as structured and structuring structure that works to keep things as they are; and how events that took place within the installation as ‘knowledge exchange space’ appear affirmative of values that work to maintain the precarious condition. As such, it aims to shed light on the complex, critical role of art in times of dissolving boundaries between art and capitalism - considering artists and cultural workers as part of capitalist production, and all subjected to the global precarious condition.Show less
