[spectre] paraphrasing babel - exhibition in public space

[annet dekker]

PARAPHRASING BABEL
VIDEO ART & SOUNDSCAPES ON LANGUAGE IN PUBLIC SPACE
www.paraphrasing-babel.eu <http://www.paraphrasing-babel.eu>

 From October 19 to November 18, 2012, Viewmaster Foundation presents 
the exhibition 'Paraphrasing Babel', in the public space of Maastricht 
and Heerlen. An exhibition of 28 video projections, video installations 
and 7 soundscapes that cross the boundaries of language, (mis) 
communication, and speech confusion. To be seen and heard every evening 
from 18.00 to 23.00 hrs.

Artists:
Marc Alberto (NLD), Christopher Baker (USA), Natalie Bookchin (USA), 
Candice Breitz (ZAF), eddie d (NLD), Vera Frenkel(CAN), Mieke Gerritzen 
(NLD), Gary Hill (USA), Annja Krautgasser (AUT), Louise Lawler (USA), 
Adam Leech (USA), Christian Marclay (USA), Marijn Moerbeek (NLD), Benny 
Nemerofsky Ramsay (CAN), Jeroen Offerman (NLD), Nika Radic (HRV), Anna 
Raimondo (ITA), Imogen Stidworthy (GBR), Zhou Tao (CHN), Thomson & 
Craighead (GBR), YOUNG-HAE CHANG HEAVY INDUSTRIES (KOR/USA), Katarina 
Zdjelar (SRB).

The selected works by renowned artists and young talent give a diverse 
representation of the power and wealth of language. Spoken, visual, or 
written, the strengths as well as the weaknesses of language as a form 
of communication are apparent. In bringing together the diverging 
approaches of the artists, Paraphrasing Babel gives new insights into 
the scope and meaning of language.

The exhibition presents a different piece in each city by different 
artists and passes by cacophonies of personal confessions on the 
internet (Natalie Bookchin) and touching attempts to learn a world 
language phonetically (Katarina Zdjelar), among others. The routes lead 
to video works in which communication takes place by means of facial 
expressions (Nica Radic), sound (Gary Hill), or sign language (Christian 
Marclay). The urban dweller also comes across birdcalls that ruthlessly 
dissect the art world (Louise Lawler), alarm sirens by choirboys (Benny 
Nemerofsky Ramsay), and an installation involving the Liverpool dialect 
(Imogen Stidworthy).

The works are presented from and in (empty) commercial buildings and 
office buildings, residential housing, and cultural institutes. The 
video projections, video installations, moving graphic structures, and 
soundscapes throw new light on the urban centres of polar opposites 
Maastricht and Heerlen.

Paraphrasing Babel is the largest video art manifestation in public 
space in Europe. The 35 artworks are rarely shown outside the confines 
of museums or art institutes. Their specific contents make them 
exceptionally appropriate for the (semi-) public domain. It is on the 
street where different languages meet or mix and where the media and 
commerce are directed at the public. In these surroundings, the artworks 
engage in a direct relationship with the onlooker or passer-byer, and 
reach the public in an alternative form.

Artistic concept: Viewmaster Foundation, Bart van den Boom
Curators: Bart van den Boom & Annet Dekker

Communication and press contacts: Adrienne Peters, adrienne at burowalnoot.nl

Paraphrasing Babel is made possible by the Mondriaan Fonds, VSB fonds, 
SNS REAAL Fonds, BNG Fonds, Province of Limburg, Municipality of 
Heerlen, Municipality of Maastricht, Huis voor de Kunsten Limburg, Prins 
Bernhard Cultuurfonds Limburg, Elisabeth Strouven Foundation, and Intro 
in situ Maastricht.

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