Roman Signer super 8-films
in Alden Biesen (B)02.07 - 05.09.2010
Roman Signer (1938) is a Swiss artist who has only started attracting attention quite recently. But at the moment, he is the undisputed godfather of an art form in which ordinary everyday objects are used as attributes for actions, which are then meticulously recorded on film and/or video. The fact that Signer was slow to receive recognition is undoubtedly related to the humour that is inextricably linked to his work. Humour is probably the last taboo in art. Signer's humour is characterised by a lofty, solemn attitude applied to exceptionally simple actions, which usually fail. His lonely battle with the laws of nature (over which he seldom gains the upper hand) has a rather tragicomic appearance. He starts off his actions with childish enthusiasm and perseverance – especially when gunpowder is used for spectacle and 'big' effects.
Since 1999, the Bonnefantenmuseum has paid a lot of attention to this artist, through large and small exhibitions and installations, and the museum now has a great many of his works.
For this presentation in Alden Biesen, a selection has been made of his super 8 films. The selection is augmented by the video sculpture Nachtfahrt (1999), consisting of a delivery van (a Piaggio), under the tailboard of which is a projection screen showing a video of a night-time journey made with the van. The projection and the means of transport coincide. However, the night-time journey doesn't amount to much. Apart from a chance storm, hardly anything happens, and there is absolutely no question of a climax or a dramatic ending. The delivery van is totally lacking in style and flair.
Special during the show! Free entrance at the Bonnefantenmuseum on presentation of your Alden Biesen ticket. And vice versa, free entrance in Alden Biesen with your Bonnefantenmuseum entrance ticket.
Landcommanderij Alden Biesen
Kasteelstraat 6
3740 Bilzen - Belgium
Tuesday to Sunday
10 - 17 hrs
More info about Alden Biesen: www.alden-biesen.be
