The Interior of Inés

A Landmark of Social Design

The Interior of Inés stands as a significant example of contemporary Danish art practice, created in 2017 by Thomas Poulsen, known professionally as FOS. This installation represents a pivotal moment in the artist's exploration of what he terms "social design"—a conceptual framework that treats human interaction and communal experiences as the primary artistic material. Rather than creating a passive object for contemplation, FOS designed a living, breathing environment where the boundaries between art, architecture, and everyday social life dissolve. Located within Vestre Fjordpark in Aalborg, the work engages directly with its surroundings and the people who inhabit it. The installation demonstrates FOS's commitment to creating spaces that are activated through use, where visitors become participants in an ongoing artistic dialogue rather than mere observers.

Conceptual Framework and Artistic Vision

FOS's practice is rooted in examining how physical environments shape human perception and social relations. The Interior of Inés exemplifies this philosophy by creating an architectural intervention that encourages specific types of interaction and movement. The artist's approach involves carefully considering materials, spatial relationships, and functional elements to generate what he describes as "dynamic" spaces—environments where design choices actively influence how people behave and connect with one another. The work reflects FOS's broader artistic trajectory, which evolved from traditional painting toward increasingly complex investigations of space, material, and social function. His background at the Danish Royal Art Academy provided the foundation for this multidisciplinary approach, allowing him to move fluidly between different media and scales of intervention.

Integration with Vestre Fjordpark

Situated at Skydebanevej 14 in Aalborg's Vestre Fjordpark, The Interior of Inés occupies a strategic position within a landscape designed for public engagement. The park itself serves as a cultural and recreational destination, making the installation accessible to diverse audiences. FOS's work contributes to the park's identity as a space where contemporary art, nature, and community life intersect. The artist's decision to place this work in a public park rather than a traditional gallery setting is deliberate and significant. It reflects his belief that art should engage with everyday life and that the most meaningful artistic experiences occur when people encounter work organically, as part of their normal movement through space.

Materials and Spatial Experience

FOS is known for his thoughtful selection of materials and his ability to make complex ideas tangible through physical form. In his various installations and design projects, he employs materials ranging from stone and wood to fabric and light, always with consideration for how these choices affect spatial perception and user experience. The Interior of Inés continues this practice, creating an environment where material choices support the conceptual goals of the work. The installation invites visitors to experience space differently, to notice details they might otherwise overlook, and to become aware of how their own movement and presence contribute to the meaning of the environment. This heightened awareness of spatial relationships and social dynamics is central to FOS's artistic vision.

Context Within Contemporary Art Practice

The Interior of Inés emerges from a moment in contemporary art when artists increasingly questioned the relevance of traditional gallery spaces and sought new ways to engage with public audiences. FOS's work aligns with broader movements toward socially engaged practice, participatory art, and site-specific intervention. His emphasis on "social design" predates and influences current conversations about how art can address social and environmental concerns through spatial and experiential means. The work has been recognized within international art discourse, with FOS's practice gaining attention from major institutions and publications. His ability to work across scales—from intimate gallery interventions to large-scale public commissions—demonstrates the versatility and depth of his conceptual framework.