Discussion on CHECK OUT 1/4 with Aram Bartholl and Dani Plöger

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 19:00

On view
20 Jan 2018

Discussion on CHECK OUT 1/4 with Aram Bartholl and Dani Plöger

Import Projects invites you to join the CHECK OUT event series. On four evenings, the happenings will reflect on contemporary authorship and authority. Installations, performances, discussions and a workshop will explore themes and puns such as Platform Capitalism vs. Sharing Economy, Mediation vs. Meditation, Self-Checkout vs. Obsession, Terror vs. Revolution.

For his ongoing installation project Aram Bartholl collects different objects and materials of the contemporary commerce and public space to rearrange them at the exhibition space. The elements refer to radical shifts in markets, rising control and a life under the influence of constantly improved algorithms, startup pressure and 'bullshit jobs'. Over the period of the exhibition the installation is rearranged and changes in dialogue with the audience. Dani Ploeger will present work that emerged from a journey across Europe to examine the recent (re-)militarization of civilian spaces as part of digital culture. A collection of three pieces engages with ways in which firearms and other means of ‘low-tech’ violence persist amidst contemporary obsessions with data surveillance, cybercrime, and high-tech warfare. This winter, Alanna Lawley explores the notion of winter depression through her artist in residency in Iceland. ‚Saunatorium’ is an experimental beginning to her research – a group of sauna steam tents installed inside the gallery invite visitors to physical and emotional detoxification. With an increasing awareness of the necessity to address the lack of psychological security within our culture, and the impact of our environment on our well being, Lawley will investigate the potential of an architecture as an alternative healing modality.The audio/visual art project ‚French Kiss With Enya pt. 1’ by Curver Thoroddsen examines the effect and aura of 90’s ethereal pop icon Enya in popular culture. Led by Icelandic multidisciplinary artist Curver Thoroddsen and curator Nadim Samman the project mixes music, visuals and sensory inputs from a selection of Icelandic artists and scholars including members of Sigur Rós.

Program Overview:
Discussion, Installations, films, performances by Aram Bartholl (artist), Sophia Graefe (media culture scholar), Anja Henckel (Co-Director Import Projects) and Dani Ploeger (artist)

'Violent Artefacts' by Dani Ploeger
An advertising plane flying over historical buildings pulls a banner with the text ‘terror/revolution’; a 16mm film shows the artist in a warzone alongside soldiers who alternatingly fire Kalashnikovs and play with their smart devices; an online order delivery from a shop for ‘Adventure Equipment’ awaits unpacking.

‘Your parcel has been delivered (to your neighbour)’ by Aram Bartholl
For his ongoing installation Aram Bartholl collects different objects and materials of the contemporary commerce and public space to rearrange them at the exhibition space. The elements refer to radical shifts in markets, rising control and a life under the influence of constantly improved algorithms, startup pressure and 'bullshit jobs'. Over the period of the exhibition the installation is rearranged and changes in dialogue with the audience.

 Counter clockwise from top: Dani Ploeger, Curver Thoroddsen, Aram Bartholl & Alanna Lawley
Counter clockwise from top: Dani Ploeger, Curver Thoroddsen, Aram Bartholl & Alanna Lawley