Roman Signer

Roman Signer

Hamburger Kunsthalle

July 1, 2009

Roman Signer
Projections
Films and Videos 1975-2008

5 June – 27 September 2009

Glockengiesserwall
20095 Hamburg
Germany

www.hamburger-kunsthalle.de

This presentation of video and film projections by Roman Signer addresses a central theme of the Swiss artist’s work: the exploration of materials and time in relation to the moving image. Signer works with time as with any other artistic material to create what he calls “events” – temporary sculptures that undergo a process of transformation. Many of his works are documented using a camera or are conceived as filmed pieces.

Signer’s work frequently involves concrete objects that he sets in motion, employing a poetic visual language to develop sculptural forms and constructions. He is best known for his works involving explosives, whereby the force of gravity upon things is momentarily suspended: chairs learn how to fly; shutters open simultaneously as if pulled by some invisible hand; a streamer tied to a rocket draws a long line across a blue sky. Certain means of transport – the bicycle, the kayak and the model helicopter – are recurrent motifs in his sculptural oeuvre, which spans more than thirty years. While his works are known for their spectacular effects, they also have a subtly humorous and quietly self-contained side. He uses these objects and physical phenomena to create tragicomic images that deal with fundamental human states of being such as suffering, innocence, injustice, shock or amazement.

Over the last four decades Roman Signer has produced an extensive and varied oeuvre that encompasses sculptures, photographs and drawings. In cooperation with Helmhaus Zurich, the Hamburger Kunsthalle is presenting a selection of 33 of his film works spanning the period from 1975 to the present. These are joined by a movement-based installation piece in the atrium of the Galerie der Gegenwart, one action piece, a sculpture and two monitor installations on the basement floor.

All of the projections will be presented in specially constructed spaces on the basement floor of the Galerie der Gegenwart. The title of the exhibition reflects the visionary and prospective nature of Signer’s work.

Exhibition curators: Prof. Dr. Hubertus Gaßner and Dirck Möllmann

Hamburger Kunsthalle

Advertisement
RSVP
RSVP for Roman Signer
Hamburger Kunsthalle
July 1, 2009

Thank you for your RSVP.

Hamburger Kunsthalle will be in touch.

Subscribe

e-flux announcements are emailed press releases for art exhibitions from all over the world.

Agenda delivers news from galleries, art spaces, and publications, while Criticism publishes reviews of exhibitions and books.

Architecture announcements cover current architecture and design projects, symposia, exhibitions, and publications from all over the world.

Film announcements are newsletters about screenings, film festivals, and exhibitions of moving image.

Education announces academic employment opportunities, calls for applications, symposia, publications, exhibitions, and educational programs.

Sign up to receive information about events organized by e-flux at e-flux Screening Room, Bar Laika, or elsewhere.

I have read e-flux’s privacy policy and agree that e-flux may send me announcements to the email address entered above and that my data will be processed for this purpose in accordance with e-flux’s privacy policy*

Thank you for your interest in e-flux. Check your inbox to confirm your subscription.