accrochons

Accrochons is a term used in contemporary art discourse to describe a participatory curatorial approach in which the arrangement and even selection of artworks are treated as a collaborative, evolving process. The term stems from accrochage, the practice of hanging a show, and the first-person plural form accrochons, literally “let us hang” in French, signaling collective action in installation.

Origins and development

The concept emerged in Francophone art circles in the mid-2010s as a response to fixed, authorial exhibition formats. It has been associated with curatorial collectives and new-media environments that emphasize process, dialogue, and temporal reconfiguration. Proponents view accrochons as a way to reflect fluid contemporary cultural practices where visitors participate in shaping meaning through interaction with the display.

Practice and methods

Practices associated with accrochons include modular, reconfigurable wall systems; audience-driven placement decisions; context-sensitive rehangs during a show; and documentation that records the changing configuration over time. Projects often privilege accessibility, dialogic feedback, and transparency about how exhibitions are assembled. The emphasis is on co-creation rather than a fixed, authoritative installation.

Reception

Critics note that accrochons foreground collaboration and adaptability, aligning with relational aesthetics and participatory art. Challenges cited include logistical complexity, curatorial risk, and questions about authorship and conservation. When implemented with clear guidelines, proponents argue, it can broaden engagement and offer dynamic viewing experiences.

See also

Accrochage, participatory art, relational aesthetics.