Stefanikova 43a, Prague 5, http://www.svitpraha.org
This smaller private gallery seems to focus on works on the conceptual end, and I feel a heightened interest in photography. In between the array of young galleries run by young curators/artists, this one has a more international focus, mixing in at least some international names in between the usual suspects of the Czech scene. For Thomas Zipp’s exhibition the walls of both rooms were covered in black felt/cloth, which by itself created a special atmosphere. Inside of this ‘stage’ Thomas Zipp placed artificial plants, a large canvas covered with a grid, a projection of feeding pigs and a drum set. What I saw seems to have been the aftermath of a previously held workshop and performance: During the workshop, the artificial plats have been photographed in front of the grid canvas, making them look like scientific specimens. The resulting photographs have been framed and hung on the black felt covered walls. The drum set and a hanger with props (costumes, face masks) were probably used during the performance. I felt a bit of a lack, because I did not see the performance, but I could see the remains. If there was a small screen with a documentary video of the performance, it would make the show more complete outside of the actual performance time bracket – as it’s a show taking place almost two months, making it meaningful outside of the two days when performances were held would be a good approach. The exhibition display still communicated a certain atmosphere, and together with the photos of the artificial plants which one could be trace back to the actual objects in the room, there were enough traces to uncover at least a part of the creative thinking process. From what I saw, I could not fit in the video of the pigs, so I assume it linked with the performance. The handout announced that the artist deals with themes of unconsciousness and psychopathology, and in this specific case also psychophysics (communication of human and plants). If this was the case then I wondered why the plants were artificial – does it mean that his interest is symbolic (in the narrative) rather than in the actual processes taking place? The whole theatrical setup as well as combination with a performance would hint in this direction.