Stair Space III 1995

Curator: Here we have Rachel Whiteread's "Stair Space III" currently residing at the Tate Collections. Editor: There's something disconcerting about this piece; the stark white staircase set against that hazy yellow makes it seem almost ghostly. Curator: Whiteread often explores themes of absence and negative space; staircases, particularly in domestic settings, are so central to the narratives of home and family. Editor: The use of negative space is quite striking; it flips the script on what we perceive as solid and void. I find it creates an almost surreal depth. Curator: It's interesting to consider the social implications. Who uses these stairs? Are they symbols of upward mobility, or perhaps barriers for those with disabilities? Editor: I'm also drawn to the almost crude simplicity of the drawing itself. The visible pencil lines contribute to its starkness. Curator: Absolutely. Whiteread’s work often invites us to reflect on the structures—physical and social—that shape our lives. Editor: I see now how a simple staircase sketch opens up so much complexity. Curator: Indeed, a staircase to contemplate.