Variations by Doron Furman is an exhibition of minimalist simplicity and clean lines, bringing contemporary structural art and geometric aesthetics together. Furman, known for his work in the Arte Povera movement, steps outside the figurative box by stepping inside many literals boxes in this psychological enticing gallery space layout. The concept of minimal lines and clean structure is integral throughout the creation. It feels scientific and clinical- almost unsettling- in a way that forces the viewer to contemplate them thoughts and feelings. The science of Anthropology and philosophy through art is essential in modern contemporary society. This conceptual design for a minimalistic gallery space by Doron Furman leaves ample room for imagination and creativity to rule. It creates an environment where the mind can wander, taking in the strong lines, bold shapes, and the structure affronting presence while appreciating the vulnerability throughout. Rectangular windows interlock with one another, leaving gaping open views throughout the gallery space broken only by the occasionally (but very purposefully placed) beams. The reason I say purposefully placed is that these additional bars feel too random to be random- and far too uncomfortable to be simply unplanned. Variations is a political, emotional, and philosophical piece. The psychology behind feeling trapped within a box or frame- enclosed yet entirely exposed- speaks strongly to modern culture and society. Indeed, it is not only relevant today but has been throughout all of human history. When standing in this space, the beholder has no choice but to embrace the box they find themselves in, then empower themselves and others by moving beyond it; through it- only to face another picture frame to stand within. The entire gallery space is overwhelmingly emotional despite being incredibly minimal: the true test of contemporary art. Doron Furman excels in anthropologic concept work. Previous pieces, such as Approximately Equal, play with visual experiences to stir up emotions in the viewer. It also uses a frame-like shape with empty space, which seems to be a theme. Artists and scientists alike have long since considered the human fascination with empty spaces. Photography is filled with examples of how complete nothingness enclosed in a perfect frame can draw one’s attention far greater than any vibrant subject. Perhaps the answer is the freedom to come to your own conclusion about what the focus of the image is. When nobody tells you what you are looking at or what you should see, the mind’s eye steps in. As any artist can attest, this eye sees in far greater detail and depth than mere 20/20 vision. Empty frames are the entire concept of this emotive and somehow confrontational minimalist gallery space design. As such, everything is up to the viewer. What is art if not a deeply personal experience, and should contemporary work not glorify visual and philosophical experiences more than any other medium? What a person feels when they look at such a conceptual piece- this one in particular- is whatever the minimalism brings to the surface. Some may draw from the steady, unbending structure of the rectangular windows- getting a sense of authority, reliability, and stability. Others may move more towards a place of vulnerability, perhaps as a juxtaposition to the security of the bold frames. The sheer scale of Variations is another thing of note. It is bigger than the beholder, enclosing them as they step within the art. That level of involvement is quite spectacular to be a part of and is the only way to truly understand what the piece is trying to say. In truth, it is not what this Doron Furman piece wants to say that matters: it is what it says to each individual as they immerse themselves in the environment.