The exhibition examines the aesthetic, philosophical, and political legacy of the Marquis de Sade in contemporary culture. A highly controversial figure, de Sade is regarded by some as a revolutionary and liberating thinker, while others denounce him as a pernicious and corrupting influence. His writings can be seen as a philosophy of freedom, but also as a philosophy of evil.
The dual interpretation of de Sade’s work forms the foundation of the exhibition and influences the design of the accompanying catalog. Graphically, the spine of the publication reflects this dichotomy: depending on how it is folded, it reveals one of two messages—freedom or evil—underscoring the exhibition’s central discourse.
Client: CCCB
