Edward Krasiński, "N... (Interwencja 4, Zyg-zak)", 1970, photo by Eustachy Kossakowski © Anka Ptaszkowska, negatives property of the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw
Nine stories of a the relationship between photographer and artist through the history of art presents a plethora of mutual influences and fruitful artistic practices from Poland and the world
Their collaboration would sometimes occur only once, and sometimes lasted for years- either way it always resulted in something concerted being a specific piece of work, a process or a common world. The authors of this exhibition behold the relationship between the photographer and artist, the dynamics of their cooperation and how each side found itself in it.
These stories take place 'circa 1970' - however the displayed works were created since the late 50's to the end of the century. Year 1970 is a contractual caesura designating the transformation that art was going through: artists ceased to create traditional objects and realized works that were rather a process or an event. Photography was a significant element in these experiments as a form of expression and documentation- photographers were inevitable partners of the artists.
Their role was not limited to registering, they weren't just an appendix to the camera - often the exchange process between the artist and photographer was very complex and influenced the emerging art piece. Both sides had to ask themselves: when following the idea of another artist, how does one find his own creativity? How are two designs realized in one work? What does it mean to act within the limits set by another artist?
The relationship between the photographer and artist explored in the exhibition is based on emotions. These partners were often friends, sometimes lovers, in other instances their liaison lasted for many years. Thus what significant took place not only in the artistically defined space, but also beyond the frame, in private space.
The Warsaw exhibition presents a contextual exhibition most interesting experimental artists from around the world, from the works of Eustachy Kossakowski, a photo journalist active on the Polish art scene and connected with prominent artists, such as Edward Krasiński. He bridged the gap between artists and critics in Warsaw. Other Central European artists in the exhibition include Hungary's Tibor Hajas with photographer János Vető, Tomislav Gotovac with photographer Žarko Vijatovic. Other international artists featued in the exhibition include the legendary artist and director Jack Smith, the cooperation of photographer and director Babette Mangolte with choreographer and artist Yvonne Rainer, a dialogue between photographer and director Hollis Frampton and Carl Andre, the relationship of two friends and lovers - artist Paul Thek and photographer Peter Hujar and also one of the most important conceptual exhibitions in form of a photo documentation - Projects: Pier 18 comprising of works by 27 young artists, now classics of conceptual art, documented by photographers Harry Shunk and János Kender.
Artists: Hollis Frampton, Carl Andre, Peter Hujar, Paul Thek, Eustachy Kossakowski, Edward Krasiński, János Vető, Tibor Hajas, Žarko Vijatović, Tomislav Gotovac, Gwenn Thomas, Joan Jonas, Jack Smith, Babette Mangolte, Yvonne Rainer, Shunk-Kender.
Curator: Maria Matuszkiewicz.
The exhibition runs between the 17th of November, 2011 - 17th January, 2012.
Museum of Modern Art
ul. Pańska 3
Warsaw
www.artmuseum.pl
Source: press release