(Text for text panels in exhibition of Hirschhorn's work):
I have taken a keen interest in Hirschhorn’s work since seeing his Bataille Monument at Documenta XI in 2002. What excited me was how Hirschhorn had involved people living in a particular part of Kassel to such an extent in the project that it became theirs, whilst still remaining his work. I also really liked the idea of introducing a thinker’s work to people in such a way that they might get as excited about those ideas as one does oneself. I imagined trying to achieve that in this country. Would it be possible?
When I was told about ‘The Incommensurable Banner’ and saw some images of it, I was instantly enthusiastic because I made connections between what the banner shows and the lack of imagery of the destruction of bodies in the media coverage of our war against Iraq. And the provenance of the images being largely unknown opens the work out so that it is not just about the imagery of war. The work raises many questions about where one positions oneself, literally, in terms of where you stand in relation to it and also politically by being encouraged to think hard about what it gives us to consider. Aesthetically and ethically too, there is so much that can be discussed in relation to this work.
I have been given the opportunity to approach this residency first and foremost as an artist rather than as a facilitator or gallery educator, work which I have a lot of experience of. One of my challenges will be to rethink my working relationship as an artist to others engaging in a dialogue with myself via a blog, with anyone who wants to get into contact with me via the blog or by email and with Hirschhorn via the work and through readings of his ideas about what he is trying to do as an artist.
I have instigated an ongoing gallery project to make a banner showing a collection of images that anybody can contribute to. Words to go with those images can also be considered. In addition to this, there are ways to contribute your responses to the work and I, together with yourselves and Fabrica volunteers and staff will be thinking about what to do with these responses. Where do they belong?
Alongside this I will be inviting people from different disciplines (eg a philosopher and a poet) to view Hirschhorn’s work and contribute a personal response informed by their particular specialisms. All of these activities will inform and contribute to my own responses to the residency and to the work on show.
Where that may lead has to remain open for now…
(end of text panel text)
I know you want some images. But both my cameras are broken at the moment. I'll try and find some soon to liven this up a bit , I promise.
