Every TV needs a revolution

Info

Utilizing advanced video techniques, Birnbaum moves the static images of anonymous street posters and graffiti from May ’68 into a current historical context.
The resultant animated sequences are re-dedicated to the printed page as these multiple transformations turn the technology on itself. The newly rendered posters, each providing a commentary on television and mass media, are no longer specific to the public streets of Paris. Rather, their critical locus is relocated within the newly defined public space television. Ref.1, Ref.2

- Dara Birnbaum ( 1946 New York- is one of the most important representatives of early American video art. Since the 1970s, TV has played an increasing role in our lives, an evolution that Birnbaum critically examines. Starting points are existing TV images and typical formats such as quizzes, soaps and sports programmes. A technique the artist often employs is repeating television images whose natural flow she interrupts with snatches of music and text. Birnbaum criticises the medium of television by staying very close to it and analysing it based on its stereotypes. Themes such as femininity and gender equality are the common thread here. Ref.3

Imschoot Uitgevers In 1987 publishing house Imschoot (Ghent- Belgium) started an exceptional series of artists’ books made by international artists (Giovanni Anselmo, Sol LeWitt, John Baldessari, Lawrence Weiner, Hanne Darboven, Robert Barry, Christian Boltanski, Dan Graham, a.o.). Ref.4
In addition to the regular softcover edition (500 to 1000 copies), a deluxe hardcover edition was also issued in a very limited edition, numbered and signed by the artists.
The publishing house ceased its activities in 2006.

References

• Ref.1: Imschoot, uitgevers Catalogue 1993-1994, Artists’ books What is an artist’s book? An artist’s book is … “… a book done for its own sake and not for the information it contains. That is: it doesn’t contain a lot of works, … it IS a work.” (Dick Higgins). > IC-series The IC-series is a collection of artists’ books brought together by Kaatje Cusse. The first publication was COME ON by Robert Barry in 1987. This ongoing process thus far embraces designs by 16 internationally renowned contemporary artists. New names may be added. The artists are given complete freedom to develop their projects. The format of the book, 14,8 x 21cm, is the only constant in the design. The first six publications were presented to the public at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York on January 11th, 1989. They were also shown – together with other Imschoot artists’ books – at the Archives in Rotterdam (1991) and at Art Metropole in Toronto (1992). The books are printed in a 1000 copy softcover version, and a 25 to 50 copy hardcover version, numbered and signed by the artist.
• Ref.2: Imschoot, uitgevers [2002] Catalogue
• Ref.3: S.M.A.K.
• Ref.4: Johan Pas (Een essay door -), Het kunstenaarsboek in België: de voorzet tot een geschiedenis., Kunstenpunt