You've heard of it. You must have. It's the living sculpture stuff people are writing about, yakking on about and internetting about. Here's a nice write up by Nicholas Forrest about the supposedly amayonnaising exhibition:
"The exhibition is a genuinely unique and incredibly exciting experience that deserves to be seen by the entire population of Sydney. But it only runs for 11 days which means you need to get yourself down to pier 2/3 quick smart as you only have until April 21 to see it. If you still aren't convinced that you need to see “13 Rooms,” here are five really good reasons you really do need to see it.
1. “13 Rooms” challenges preconceived definitions of visual art. Described by Hans Ulrich Obrist as “like an exhibition where the sculptures go home at night,” 13 Rooms consists of 13 purpose-built exhibition spaces each of which houses one or more human beings presenting a pre-conceived performance-based artwork. The concept behind the “13 Rooms” exhibition is an actual example of a new approach to art, even if the concept is now two years old. It challenges preconceived definitions of visual art and pushes the boundary of contemporary artistic practice.
2. Australian collaborative duo Clark Beaumont is awesome!
Being chosen to participate in the “13 Rooms” project is the equivalent of scoring a leading role in a Hollywood blockbuster for previously unknown Australian collaborative duo Clark Beaumont. Hand-picked by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Klaus Biesenbach as the 13th “living sculpture,” 21-year-old Sarah Clark and 22-year-old Nicole Beaumont are the only artists performing their own work, an exception to one of Obrist and Biesenbach’s “rules of the game.” For eight hours a day, Clark Beaumont will present their “living sculpture” on a plinth barely big enough for them both to stand on.
3. It is a fascinating insight into the minds of some of the world’s greatest artists. The “13 Rooms” project features contributions by art-world icons such as John Baldessari, Marina Abramović, Damien Hirst, and artist duo Allora and Calzadilla. To see how each of these artists interpret and define performance-based art is revealing and intriguing. Experiencing just one of the artists’ contributions to the project would be amazing, to see 13 at the one time is incredible. The significance of the opportunity to compare, contrast, and contemplate cannot be underestimated.
4. Rafael Bonachela choreographed Allora and Calzadilla’s “Revolving Door.” Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela collaborated with Allora and Calzadilla to create unique new choreography for their artwork “Revolving Door.” Although the contents of each room must remain consistent for every edition of the project, Bonachela had a certain level of influence on the interpretation of “Revolving Door,” which is performed by dancers from the Sydney Dance Company. The result of the collaboration is spectacular to say the least.
5. It is a surreal experience that will leave you in awe. Art that creates a genuine sense of surprise and awe is difficult to find these days. The world has become so conditioned to the sort of images and experiences that once upon a time would have evoked shock and amazement that eliciting such a reaction is not easy. Imagine opening your wardrobe and being confronted by a naked woman who is carefully and silently examining her entire body with a small hand-held mirror. This is the sort of experience you can expect from “13 Rooms.” Opening each door initiates a new and awe-inspiring encounter, the equivalent of being transported to another planet in Dr. Who’s Tardis. Upon entering each room the outside world ceases to exist, replaced by an alien environment. Nothing can prepare you for what you will see and feel."
Sounds pretty damn good, eh.
Reblogged from Blouinart.
