SETTINGS
August 3rd – October 14th 2012
Opening on August 2nd 2012, 7pm
Kunsthaus Dresden
KHD - Städtische Galerie für Gegenwartskunst
With Nevin Aladag, Nairy Baghramian / Janette Laverriere / Carlo Mollino, Steven Claydon, Yael Davids, Discoteca Flaming Star , Hanna Ewers zum Rode, FORT , Hella Gerlach, Liam Gillick, Channa Horwitz, David Lamelas, Kalin Lindena
The concept of dramaturgy as “the spatial and temporal process between a starting point and an ending point within a medium or a project” is decisive for "Settings". In the exhibition, international artists focus on the stage as a sculptural form and create parameters for potential scenarios. What does a stage consist of? What forms can we conceive of in order to create a performance that is personified both on and beyond the stage? Which relationships demand what settings? And what is the role of the observer?
The results are compositions that correlate partially to the autonomous artist’s space, and partially to situations that initiate an imagination zone, an interruption or a movement. This allows for a spatial inquiry, in which the given setting – be it the dramaturgy of the exhibition itself, the architecture of the erstwhile Baroque residence with halls, the passageway and courtyard – is thematically and formally tackled via the artistic works. Aspects of mise-en-scène and setting-in-motion are raised. This also highlights the various stages of their creation. They are treated with regard to temporality, spatiality, materiality, performativity and emotionality.
The idea of this exhibition being a stage is related to the history of its own format. Since its emergence in early modernity, exhibition has been understood as a drama unfolding between the visitor and the object – one that is subject to vicissitudes within the performative conditions. If the piece was, at its beginnings, a decorative object in a feudal architectural structure, the object is bestowed an independent status within the White Cube, as a reference to a strengthened civil society. Today, the idea of display of the object is broadened to include other forms of presentation: relationships and situations increase in importance. This process runs parallel to the increasingly saturated consumer and service society, to which "Settings" is a reaction.
A second moment reflected in the exhibition is the influence of theatre on the exhibition dramaturgy. However, these moments differ in essential aspects. The exhibition does not separate the visitor’s room and the stage area. The narrative unfolds as the visitor moves through the presentation. Since this is usually an individual pursuit, the exhibition space was perceived as an equal community. "Settings", on one hand, reinforces this idea while, on the other, along with "Salon Rähnitz" and its formatting of groups, carries it ad absurdum onwards.
Settings“ is supported by the Kulturstiftung des Bundes, the Kulturstiftung des Freistaates Sachsen and the mondriaan fonds.
Curator: Petra Reichensperger