Sonic Youth etc. : Sensational Fix
Sonic Youth etc. : Sensational Fix is on display at Kunsthalle Düsseldorf until May 10.
The exhibition explores the collaborative works of Sonic Youth and the artists, filmmakers, designers, and musicians they have worked with since their formation in 1981. Like their music and album covers, the exhibition tries to amalgamate punk rock’s rebellious posture and DIY attitude with experimental music and conceptual art and encourage the audience to consider the division between “high” and ” low”, “elite” and “popular” art.
The works themselves tell an alternative story of contemporary culture, of teenager rebellion, the restlessness of youth, of the craving for fame and the search for identity, gender roles, sexuality, and religion.
It is a peak into their world, and the multifaceted output of art by themselves, their friends, influences, connections and collaborations. On display is works by Richard Prince, Mike Kelly, Rita Ackermann, Jenny Holzer, Raymond Pettibon, Curt Kirkwood (Meat Puppets), John Cage, Allan Ginsberg and William S. Burrroughs among others.
Special mention to Christian Marclay’s work – a walk-in room with floor littered to a few inches thickness with old vinyl records. Like David Byrne points out in his live journal, “For a record lover, the experience is a kind of sacrilege – and that’s the point.
After Düsseldorf, the exhibition moves on to Sweden and Malmö. Plans to show the exhibition in the UK and US are also in the talks. For those living close to Düsseldorf, Sonic Youth will give a concert accompanied to the exhibition on Friday, April 24.
Tags: Art Exhibition, Sensational Fix, Sonic Youth, Vinyl
