Exercise 5.1: Origins of the White Cube

This introduction by Thomas McEvilley to Brian O'Dohety's Inside the White Cube: Ideology of the Gallery Space is a brief discussion into O'Doherty's investigation into what the gallery environment does to the art and how it can become part of it.
McEvilley explains the basis and theory behind the gallery space is to create a pure space, free from colour or texture without any influence from outside so that the main focus will be the art and no attention can be taken from it. There are comparisons in the text to religious buildings and ancient monuments which McEvilley describes as being an ancient equivalent,  in that the things inside were to be kept unscathed by the outside world and to keep the space timeless.
The text suggests how when entering the White Cube, we become an empty being except for out eyes, as they are all we need to become a spectator. In effect, we leave ourselves at the door and are able to view the art for exactly what it is, without any outside, personal or social influence.
The text also explores how the artists and photographers will actually use the exhibition space as a basis for their work but how its also considered as an expressive and fashionable way to exhibit work.

I don't really have any personal experience with this subject. I have been to museums but not to a gallery. I understand the concept though and I do agree that it is a great way to exhibit photographs particularly. The space being white allows a fresh and clean environment as to not draw attention away from the images. It allows the viewers to study the images without being distracted by anything around the images. Also, white will reflect the light and keep the area as bright as possible as to not create darker areas which could create shadows on the images. Even making notes and typing this post, the paper is white and the text is black. The white colouring allows me to concentrate purely on what I am typing without distraction in the immediate space around it. And this is the same effect as viewing the images in that environment.

Resources:
http://www.oca-student.com/sites/default/files/oca-content/key-resources/res-files/the_white_cube.pdf