“Neither “to be” nor “to have” matter much in currently functioning models of a happy life. What does matter is pleasure – an instantly gratifying pleasure that is consumed on the spot. This pleasure does not last longer than the passing joy that it brings, a joy that can be interrupted at any time if the feeling of enjoyment is no longer present.” Z.B. on pop culture
A multimedia interactive installation (59"W x 33"H x 31 1/2"D = 150 x 84 x 80cm), consisting of a wooden table with an inscription of copper letters on its countertop; a two-step platform allows the viewer to climb on the table. Their body weight triggers a hidden audio player which is playing music by the group Laibach; when the viewer descends, the music stops.
I do not attempt to explain this logically. Certainly, in some way I benefit from this personally; perhaps it helps me find a solid rooting in reality. The private, intimate reality is the only true one. Sometimes it all gets out of hand and obtains a life of its own. What I do here is by no means performed in the name of humanity (I never did anything for this case). I try to speak for myself; thus it seems to me that the action can be deemed authentic. Sometimes it is simple. To understand it is not enough: one must act it out.
The viewers of this work become its participants. There is no way to remain passive. The Table gives the viewer an opportunity for action, and it leaves no other option but to take part in it.
Luridness is a must here. It has nothing to do with politics or fascism. The more I think about it – there are no outside connections here. The Table does not make any attempt at social reform; such attempts are pointless. It’s like embarking on a trip to discover new realms, with totalitarian music by Laibach playing in the background. This music is very romantic. There are theories out there that claim that the very sources of totalitarianism are romantic. Indeed, the first impression brings on certain obvious connotations: it’s like replacing the tradition of individualism with social utility.
A revolt against established values has not solely turned against the idea of progress; it has also acted in its favor. Nowadays, we witness the renaissance of conservatism; at the same time, we see more attempts to replace meaningful changes with constant manipulation. Technological civilization has improved the living standards of the vast number of people; at the same time, however, the actual quality of their lives has taken a turn for the worse.
The Table
Installation with music.
Wooden table with copper incriptions. W: 59" H: 33" D: 31 1/2".
year: 1992
“Neither “to be” nor “to have” matter much in currently functioning models of a happy life. What does matter is pleasure – an instantly gratifying pleasure that is consumed on the spot. This pleasure does not last longer than the passing joy that it brings, a joy that can be interrupted at any time if the feeling of enjoyment is no longer present.” Z.B. on pop culture
A multimedia interactive installation (59"W x 33"H x 31 1/2"D = 150 x 84 x 80cm), consisting of a wooden table with an inscription of copper letters on its countertop; a two-step platform allows the viewer to climb on the table. Their body weight triggers a hidden audio player which is playing music by the group Laibach; when the viewer descends, the music stops.
I do not attempt to explain this logically. Certainly, in some way I benefit from this personally; perhaps it helps me find a solid rooting in reality. The private, intimate reality is the only true one. Sometimes it all gets out of hand and obtains a life of its own. What I do here is by no means performed in the name of humanity (I never did anything for this case). I try to speak for myself; thus it seems to me that the action can be deemed authentic. Sometimes it is simple. To understand it is not enough: one must act it out.
The viewers of this work become its participants. There is no way to remain passive. The Table gives the viewer an opportunity for action, and it leaves no other option but to take part in it.
Luridness is a must here. It has nothing to do with politics or fascism. The more I think about it – there are no outside connections here. The Table does not make any attempt at social reform; such attempts are pointless. It’s like embarking on a trip to discover new realms, with totalitarian music by Laibach playing in the background. This music is very romantic. There are theories out there that claim that the very sources of totalitarianism are romantic. Indeed, the first impression brings on certain obvious connotations: it’s like replacing the tradition of individualism with social utility.
A revolt against established values has not solely turned against the idea of progress; it has also acted in its favor. Nowadays, we witness the renaissance of conservatism; at the same time, we see more attempts to replace meaningful changes with constant manipulation. Technological civilization has improved the living standards of the vast number of people; at the same time, however, the actual quality of their lives has taken a turn for the worse.