Pleasure Dome & Mercer Union present: Identifications
Saturday, November 28, 8pm $8/5 members
CineCycle
129 Spadina Avenue
Toronto, Canada
Programme:
- Identifications (video, 1970, 42 min.)
Featuring works by Giovanni Anselmo, Joseph Beuys, Alighiero Boetti, Stanley Brouwn, Daniel Buren, Pier Paolo Calzolari, Gino de Dominicis, Ger van Elk, Hamish Fulton, Gilbert & George, Garry Kuehn, Mario Merz, Klaus Rinke, Reiner Ruthenbeck, Ulrich Rückriem, Richard Serra, Keith Sonnier, Franz Erhard Walther, Lawrence Weiner, and Gilberto Zorio.
- Black Gate Cologne —a happening in the studio by Otto Piene and Aldo Tambellini (video, 1968, 23 min.)
The landmark TV project Identifications was initiated by the German gallerist Gerry Schum, who envisioned television as a new exhibition platform distinct from the art market. Schum announced the project’s aim thus: “We no longer perceive the work of art as a painting or sculpture not connected with the artist. On television, the artist can reduce his work to an attitude, a simple gesture, referring to his concept. The work of art is conveyed as a unity of concept, visualization, and the artist who provides the idea."
Black Gate Cologne —a happening in the studio is often cited as the first television programme made by artists. It was a live event involving films, light objects and the participation of the studio audience. The close co-operation between artists and TV crew created a synthesis of live atmosphere, Light Art, experimental film and electronic image aesthetics.