I look at you who is looking at me

I film us looking at each other. Who is other?
(2012)

updating everything

it is taking a little time, but piece by piece I am updating this blog again (after a long dormant period), and it is taking over from my website, which is due to go off air in the next month. I have added exhibitions views and initial project descriptions, which still need accompanying images to complete them. I will hopefully re-launch this blog with a little promotion in the next months.

If you are wondering: I am still making new Art, just the backlog needs clearing first.

Can't stop thinking about Butoh

finding me on the web

found on the curator Alfedo Cramerotti's website : Exhibitions / QUAD I Birgit Deubner: Devotional Choreography I & II [curating] 09.05.2009 to 26.06.2009

This was an exhibition featured on the QUAD Digital screens around the building.– – – Devotional Choreography / Khoreia is a composition of films and video display that concentrates on the visual poetry of movement and gesture, developed over centuries to express faith. The artist takes on the role of choreographer, composing a dialogue between faith rituals; this process leads an investigation into the life of gestures, which form a shared language, in inseparable association with religious expression.

emotional body / conceptual body

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reading / should be reading

THIS WAS ENTIRELY COPIED FROM: davidpaulrodriguez.wordpress.com

SONTAG AND AZOULAY

For Susan Sontag, in contrast to Michael Fried, the difference in approach to reading photography is clearest in their interpretations of Jeff Wall’s Dead Troops Talk. Fried actually quotes Sontag’sRegarding the Pain of Others in the introductory chapter to Why Photography Matters. In her analysis of the piece, Sontag writes “Engulfed by the image, which is so accusatory, we could fantasize that the soldiers might turn and talk to us. But no, no one is looking out of the picture. There’s no threat of protest. They are not about to yell at us to bring a halt to that abomination which is war… These dead are supremely uninterested in the living: in those who took their lives; in witnesses – and in us. Why should they seek our gaze? What would they have to say to us? ‘We’… don’t understand. We don’t get it. We truly can’t imagine what it was like. We can’t imagine how dreadful, how terrifying war is; and how normal it becomes. Can’t understand, can’t imagine.” Sontag talks about Dead Troops and its power in a much wider photographic context than Fried and just “art photography.” Sontag is not considering photography as contemporary art, and is not interested in photographs that exist solely for museum and gallery walls. Her fascination with photography is concerned with its mass dissemination and effect on mass culture.
In Regarding the Pain of Others, Sontag takes issue with two ideas she previously wrote about in earlier essays. The first being that public attention is steered by media, or the “CNN effect” as she calls it. Photographs of events shape “what catastrophes and crises we pay attention to, what we care about, and ultimately what evaluations are attached to these conflicts.” (p.105)
The second idea being “that in a world saturated, no, hyper-saturated with images, that that should matter have a diminishing effect: we become callous.” (p.105)
Sontag writes that the main vehicle in which the public gets its news, television. “Images shown on television are by definition images of which, sooner or later, one tires. The whole point of television is that one can switch channels, that it is normal to switch channels, to become restless, bored. Consumers droop. They need to be stimulated, jump-started, again and again. Content is no more than one of these stimulants.” (p. 106)
The idea Sontag touches on about a growing sense of apathy through the numbing effect that television provides, in its ability to let us turn away or change the channel, and its presentation of fact and fiction in a manner that we may find either entertaining reminds me of a parable by Soren Kierkegaard:

“THE HAPPY CONFLAGRATION – What happens to those who try to warn the present age?
It happens that a fire broke out backstage in a theater. The clown came out to inform the public. They thought it was just a jest and applauded. He repeated his warning, they shouted even louder. So I think the world will come to an end amid general applause from all the wits, who believe that it is a joke.”
After a poignant first hand account of her upbringing in Israel, Arielle Azoulay writes in The Civil Contract of Photography that the “theory of photography proposed in this book is founded on a new ontological-political understanding of photography.” (p. 23) The term “ontological-political” understanding is an interesting one to think about and makes sense as to why Azoulay takes issue with Susan Sontag’s Regarding the Pain of Others. To have an ontological understanding in any sense, one needs to consider the relationship to the photograph between the photographer and the photographed subject, and between the photographed subject and the spectator. Not just the spectator and photographic object as Azoulay felt many were too focused on. Azoulay wants to explore the ethical and political implications photographs carry with them that are just as inherent in them as the ontological qualities of photographs that interested Roland Barthes and Walter Benjamin.
Azoulay believes that “the photographic act and the space of photographic relations, treats everyone the same (in as much as everyone in Israel – Jewish and Palestinian – has more or less equal access to being photographed and to making claims for themselves via photography and allows us to overcome the limits of state declared citizenship by declaring everyone a ‘citizen of photography.’ Azoulay argues therefore, that we are all governed equally under the modern visual regime of photography.” (note on p.25)
“When the photographed persons address me, claiming their citizenship in photography, they cease to appear as stateless or as enemies, the manners in which the sovereign regime strives to construct them. They call on me to recognize and restore their citizenship through my viewing.” In comparison with Sontag, whom Azoulay implies has a tendency to address the photograph instead of the person that is the photographed subject, Azoulay’s thoughts about these photographic images describe the ways in which they are viewed by spectators as well as the subject’s desire to address the viewer through them.

Azoulay ponders “What is the foundation of the gaze I might turn back toward them? Is it my gaze alone, or is it their demand directed toward the civil position I occupy?”  Azoulay uses the example of a 1982 photograph by Anat Saragusti, taken as a shop keeper in the town of Hebron holding up the lock to his shop, recently clipped by Israeli police in order to break up a strike. The shop keeper has a gaze that locks on with whoever views the photograph and with and outstretched hand holds up a broken lock for further examination. “When the Hebron merchant stands up in front of the camera, lock in hand, he isn’t demanding remuneration for the broken lock. His stance is an insistent refusal to accept the noncitizen status assigned him by the governing power and a demand for participation in a sphere of political relations within which his claims can be heard and acknowledged.”  

complete bodies

So at which point is a body complete? A body of work, a human body, a body?

Missing parts complete or deplete the body? The work? The picture? The photograph...? I am currently looking at bodies that have lost limbs in tragic and violent circumstances. But is the tragedy really timelessly, continually present or is the presence of absence in a way fabricated and nourished by projection of expectation not met (the expectation of having or seeing a 'complete' body with no 'absences'...)..?

Documentation or creation of a different perception..?

interested in Butoh

Dance of Darkness A Documentary on Butoh Part 1 by mochi007

Dance of Darkness A Documentary on Butoh Part 2 by mochi007

(there are several more parts)

"...to reject the superficiality of everyday life..."

Dance of Darkness A Documentary on Butoh Part 3 by mochi007

exhibition view of Chorus / in vain I will away

Chorus / in vain I will away

medium: c-type photographic print

size: full and half size editions are available

More information:

It began with Dante's Divine Comedy.. images of purgatory and hell... The treat of what could happen to one's senses, the inability to escape such a destiny.. a nightmare.. 

Fusili's painting of an incubus sitting on a sleeping woman, who writhes in nightmare fused with his poem of how in vain she wills away also influenced this project. As did Ciaroscurro painting and a now distant past in working in Physical theatre. 

Serious concerns within this work are my long-term involvement in working with the body in unconventional ways; a conversation with classical painting; a keen interest in political - societal concerns developed from an engagement with folk tales, mythology and religious parables.

To me the work is politically informed, the value of being human, the ease with which humanity is lost, dehumanizing takes place all too easily, and normality is in state of flux in which loss of identity of another easily occurs un-noticed, un-objected. My personal fear is fed when I perceive the fragility of an individual in society but I live with an undercurrent of optimism with which I believe in the strength of the potentially same individuals.

Another political position of the work is its engagement with the female body searching for ways of claiming it as universally significant body not representative of female concerns but universally human concerns. Attempting to distance a female body from the; easily falling into narrow enclosures of; feminist discourse is generally a problematic endeavor, but I am searching for ways to speak about humanity without falling into league with a gender camp. Of course feminism is in this time of recession a concern of refreshed urgency.

This project is trying to address a universal aspect of timeless and also very contemporary human condition.

Be it the literary journey of Dante through purgatory and the circles of hell in Dante’s Divine Comedy or parallels in contemporary life, the ugly and the beauty of human experience and capability.

I don’t think I propose answers or fixed positions in my work, rather questions, observations, sometimes serious, at other times with elements of humor. I search and I always find more question which lead to further searches. I work at highest possible quality across a spectrum of mediums, incorporating drawing, film, photography, installation, light, ambience. I locate my practice in concerns rather than a particular medium.

If you have more questions about the work or if you are interested in the project for exhibition or purchase please contact me; birgitdeubner@gmx.net

Thank you to Kiwoun Shin for the photographs!!

My work has been screened, staged and exhibited in several countries among others:

America 2010 - performance and intervention / public spaces/Art event

Germany 2009 - performance and film/ gallery

India 2007 & 2008 - installation and photography / public space and pop-up gallery window

Cambodia 2006 - performance / public space

Morocco 2004 - installation / public space

Austria 2001- collaboration dance and film / gallery

and in the UK among others:

SHUNT events 2010 & ICA London 2011

Affordable Art Fair London 2010,

QUAD in Derby 2009,

Independent Biennial Liverpool 2006 & 2008,

Portobello Film Festival London,

awards/special merit:

Catlin Art Guide 2011

Warden Purchase Prize, Goldsmiths University 2010

Axis Web Artist of the Month, November 2008

Cultural immersion Language and Art lessons

I offer Cultural immersions in Art and Language, this is most interesting for those with some existing language proficiency. We can approach these lessons in a practical or theoretical way, you can use them for hobby interest or for preparations for further study. Perhaps you are considering a visit to Germany and want to build up confidence in your language skills with a focus on Arts or Social Issues, Politics, Environmental Affairs? All of these are themes that I share a passionate interest in. Included in the subject Art can be contemporary Dance, Fine Art and Conceptual Art, we can visit Art Exhibitions, Museums or approach your German Language practice with practical Art lessons. You can combine any aspects of my lesson repertoire (Art, several approaches to Yoga, Languages, basic Drama) with either English or German as instruction languages. These lessons are not available as one hour sessions, the shortest I offer is 2 hours for practical Art Practice and 3 hours for excursions with conversation throughout and tea and summary conversation at the end of the session.

Workshop Leading and assisting for drama, arts, working with children, young people, adults, OAPs, people with learning difficulties and speakers of other languages. I have a lot of experience working with shy learners and enjoy the challenge of raising interest in a project with those who are easily distracted.

Private & Group Art Tuition, German and English Language lessons, Yoga practice and basic drama workshop skills, which are very useful in raising confidence, group dynamic building and also suitable as a way of getting the body moving as exercise while engaged in focused but expressive free play. As I offer a range of lessons in different fields I would like to begin with the fundamental basics: All of the lessons I offer are in skills that I am passionate about and enjoy sharing. I can offer combination classes in which I can give Art lessons in German or a mixture of German and English, depending on the language level of the participants.

Hourly rates during the summer months are £20 per hour, discounts are available for regular students on weekly 2 hour sessions (payable in advance) and on second and subsequent 3+ hour sessions.

CV

Birgit Deubner was born in Cologne Germany, her father a painter introduced her to naive Eastern European styles of painting from an early age. A radio program about Matisse sealed the decision to become an artist in order to never retire.

Anthropological study, latin, history and philosophy at a progressive school in Cologne further nurtured her position.

CV:

exhibitions and events:

2011 Pop-Up Gallery, Fitzrovia, London, UK. curated by Nolan Browne

2011 ICA invited by Shunt, London, UK. invited by Robin Spalding

2011 Catlin Art Guide (publication, UK), on sale nationwide, selected by Justin Hammond

2011 Last Fridays Shorts, TAP / Coexist, Southend on Sea, UK, selected by Michaela Freeman

2010 SHUNT, London, (UK), curated by Robin Spalding

2010 Art Murmur, Oakland, (USA)

2010 Benaki Museum, Athens, (Greece) Out of the box Intermedia curated by Sozita Goudouna

2010 Affordable Art Fair, London, (UK), Emerging Artists (works sold to collections) curated by Jessica Hall

2010 Southend on Sea Art Festival, Kent, (UK), invited by Coexist

2010 Pause and Eject II, Shoreditch, London

2009 Portobello Film Festival, London, (UK)

2009 Quad, Derby, (UK), curated by Alfredo Cramerotti

2009 Pause and Eject I, Brick Lane, London, (UK)

2009 Workstation, Sheffield (UK), curated by Josh Tennant from Red Wire Liverpool

2009 BBC Big Screen (UK), 6 weeks of hourly 3 minute screenings of 'Dungbeetle and Sisyphus',

2008 Slowness, Red Wire Gallery, Liverpool, (UK), curated by Vanessa Bartlett

2008 Liverpool Independent Biennial, commissioned piece 'Dungbeetle and Sisyphus', Arena Gallery, Greenland Street area, Liverpool, (UK), curated by Tony Smith

2008 The Liar the Witch and the Wardrobe, Bridewell Gallery, Liverpool, (UK), curated by Vanessa Bartlett
2008/1 research, UK-Istanbul overland journey

2007 6 months research and production residency South India, with 2 exhibitions in public spaces.

2007 Anglican Cathedral, Liverpool (solo)

2006 Siem Reap, Cambodia

2006/10 Independent Biennial Liverpool, (UK), public spaces performances with lead wings

2006/08 Independent Biennial Liverpool, (UK), Bracket This 3, curated by Tomas Harold, presented by Mercy

exhibition in London

New Decade

curated by Nolan Browne

42 Store Street

WC1E 7DB

London

Private View

Thursday 31st March 7-9pm

RSVP to nolan@popup-gallery.co.uk

Exhibition runs until May 8th, 2011

Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 7pm

Sunday 12pm-6pm, or by appointment

http://www.popup-gallery.co.uk/

Chorus / in vain I will away (artist statement)

Birgit R. Deubner

Chorus / in vain I will away

medium: c-type photographic print

size: full and half size editions are available

More information:

It began with Dante's Divine Comedy.. images of purgatory and hell...

Primary concerns within this work are the artist’s long-term involvement in working with the body in unconventional ways; a conversation with classical painting; a keen interest in political / societal concerns developed from an engagement with folk tales, mythology and religious parables.

To me the work is politically informed, the value of being human, the ease with which humanity is lost, dehumanizing takes place all too easily, and normality is in state of flux in which loss of identity of another easily occurs un-noticed, un-objected. My personal fear is fed when I perceive the fragility of an individual in society but I live with an undercurrent of optimism with which I believe in the strength of the potentially same individuals.

Another political position of the work is its engagement with the female body searching for ways of claiming it as universally significant body not representative of female concerns but universally human concerns. Attempting to distance a female body from the; easily falling into narrow enclosures of; feminist discourse is generally a problematic endeavor, but I am searching for ways to speak about humanity without falling into league with a gender camp. Of course feminism is in this time of recession a concern of refreshed urgency.

This project is trying to address a universal aspect of timeless and also very contemporary human condition.

Be it the literary journey of Dante through purgatory and the circles of hell in Dante’s Divine Comedy or parallels in contemporary life, the ugly and the beauty of human experience and capability.

I don’t think I propose answers or fixed positions in my work, rather questions, observations, sometimes serious, at other times with elements of humor. I search and I always find more question which lead to further searches. I work at highest possible quality across a spectrum of mediums, incorporating drawing, film, photography, installation, light, ambience. I locate my practice in concerns rather than a particular medium.

If you have more questions about the work or if you are interested in the project for exhibition or purchase please contact me; birgitdeubner@gmx.net

"Wish we were where?"

performance / intervention for ArtSide in Southend On Sea, 18th July 2010

Goldsmiths Final Show / INVITATION

MFA Final Show

8th July

6PM

until Monday 12th July 7pm.

come!

Life Alone by Maisie Crowe

Life Along (click)

inches to centimeters!

http://www.asknumbers.com/InchesToCentimetersConversion.aspx

Last Seminar / the path of recent work development + influences

Butoh:

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March - May :

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choosing / deciding / trying:

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after initially thinking about a grand sized photographic composition resembling a National Gallery classical painting (thinking of Gericault's Raft of the Medusa and Ribera & Zurbaran's use of shadow and contrast (al la Caravagio) as reference;

I moved on to considering wallpaper for a possible installation also utilizing sound (human-animal, gutteral, breathing, out of breath, dark type sound):

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I decided that I have very strong images and a lot of strong options with correctable flaws, so I am re-staging several poses for the project. I have 2 more photo studio appointments that are in time for preparations and 2 more in June which I don't want to use for creating work for the show but rather tie up loose ends as from June 26th or so the photo studio will close.

May:

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and I was especially happy with this one:

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purgatorial = Dante's Divine Comedy

Juiseppe Ribera:

'Apollo flaying Marsayas': In the contest between Apollo and Marsyas, the terms stated that the winner could treat the defeated party any way he wanted. Since the contest was judged by theMuses,^[7] Marsyas naturally lost and was flayed alive in a cave near Celaenae for his hubristo challenge a god. Apollo then nailed Marsyas' skin to a pine tree,^[8] near Lake Aulocrene (the Turkish Karakuyu Gölü), which Strabo noted was full of the reeds from which the pipes were fashioned (info)

St Francis of Assissi / Zurbaran

Francisco de Zurbarán (November 7, 1598 – August 27, 1664) was a Spanish painter. He is known primarily for his religious paintings depicting monks, nuns, and martyrs, and for his still-lifes.

Chiaroscuro (kiːˈɑːrə.ˈskʊroʊ, –ˈskjʊroʊ, Italian for light-dark) in art is characterized by strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts affecting a whole composition. It is also a technical term used by artists and art historians for using contrasts of light to achieve a sense of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects such as the human body.

Gericault - the Raft of the Medusa

... At least 147 people were set adrift on a hurriedly constructed raft; all but 15 died in the 13 days before their rescue, and those who survived endured starvation, dehydration, cannibalism and madness. ...

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notes to self:

Charon (ferrying the dead)

Spanish Inquisition

on a different note: Vishvamitra

some fragments of notes:

Butoh

link to Butoh images (from this blog)

Human / De-human

human as human commoditiy

human waste

non-identity / identity as priviledge

Zygmunt Bauman: Wasted Lives, Modernity and its Outcasts

human condition

beauty / non beauty - currently in conflict with impulse to beautify when actually addressing the non-beautiful ...

security as priviledge, withdrawn at will

State of Exemption (Giorgio Agamben)

woman = object of desire = object

personal experience when I became the 'object', object of desire in equal measures to object of despise and object of all and no value; ownable commodity, the devil's accomplice, despised object, the object that should comply and aid relief, object that should obey, should not have the right to choose.

islam (+ other orthodox faiths) = reduction of woman from human to woman

my speculation: women's rights & equality = a temporary allowance mostly bestowed upon the wealthy, to be revoked first of the poor

purgatory existence of humans who feed the consumer lifestyle which feeds itself, which expels growing numbers of humans into the human waste category...

Concerns with societal issues ranging from civil liberty rights losses to 1984 Orwellian Present rather than Future, human as commodity and expelled as waste. (I.e. violations of human rights, human rights in themselves no longer of interest as not complying with consumer culture. globalization does not profit from rights and I speculate it is about to collapse in it's present form)

abolition of slavery = myth = slavery a contemporary reality and western society, consumerism relies on this condition.