Nancy Holt
USA 1938–2014
Ventilation System 1985–92
Steel ducts, turbine ventilators, shanty caps, fans, air
Overall dimensions variable; at QAGOMA 5.2 x 8.5 x 13.3m
Collection: Holt/Smithson Foundation, New Mexico
Connected lengths of duct crisscross the room in Nancy Holt’s Ventilation System 1985–92/22, punctuated by vents. Up close, it becomes clear the network is channelling air. As the turbine ventilators spin the work comes to life and is revealed as a breathing system, wondrous for its unexpected industrial intrusion into the gallery.