Synopses & Reviews
This rich and extensive collection of writings, interviews, image spreads, letters, graphic essays and Skype conversations is the product of 2009's fertile summer academy at the Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern. Guest curator, the Berlin-based writer/curator Tirdad Zolghadr, surprised participants by canceling the scheduled annual fellow exhibition that summer. Instead, participants were asked to contribute to this book, which makes a strong argument for print publications as equally worthy sites of art production alongside studio practice and exhibitions. The cancellation did not stem from a boredom with art, nor even with its rituals, but simply from an impatience with the unquestioning exhibition routine that predominates, writes Zolghadr. Featured writings include Bruce Hainley, Los Angeles, contributing editor at ArtForum and professor at Art Center College of Design, Mmariangela Mendez Prencke, Bogota, Columbia, curator, professor and graduate from BARD College, and Uriel Orslow.
Synopsis
Internal Necessity was the topic of the Sommerakademie 2009, curated by Tirdad Zolghadr. One year on, we are pleased to present a corresponding publication, initiated and co-edited by the Fellows. The result is an independent reader that does not aim to merely document the academy 2009, but reflects and develops its topics in a rich diversity of visual and textual forms. Developed by the Fellows and invited guest contributors these include short essays and graphic designs as well as letters, image spreads and skype conversations. The volume argues for publications as sites of art production alongside studio practice and exhibition making. As a visual object with a particular aesthetic it reflects and continues the intensive dialogue of last year's academy.