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7/12/2010

Pavel Sterec

Karlin Studios, Prague

We All Secretly Hold Our Hands under the Table Dividing Us?

Tables serve various functions–eating, working, writing, and meeting. Activities at different types of tables, however share a common denominator – they are all codified bodily actions. In order to recognize them, we must learn what functions a table serves. Relative activities take place on or above the table. A table can thus be also understood as a platform, which establishes socially acceptable bodily behavior.

What takes place on the table happens on its upper surface. It is this visible and accessible surface, which defines a table, and simultaneously suggests relationships among objects positioned on it. Although some objects are more valuable or useful than others, and though there are objects being used while others remain unused , it is important to realize that all objects on the table are commensurable, can form relations, change places and have the right to occupy the surface of the table. To sweep an object from the table can be translated as total disposal.

What is once of the table is no longer a subject of discussion. A table in general is very much connected to speech – communicative speech that has nothing to do with senseless soliloquy. We employ conventions of communication when speaking at a table, but also when writing at a table. So doing, we form statements in keeping with orthographic norms learned in the past. Thus, a table signifies a space for the use of the body through oral tactics and gesticulation, and enables the communication of meaning.

Individual operations and objects have their place on the table according to their function and importance. In the cases of writing and working desks, we distinguish between workspace positioned in the center, and the surrounding space in which things are frequently put aside. In the middle of a dining table, we typically find dishes to be shared by everyone. While the perimeter of the table is used for plates, cutlery and other objects used to partake of the middle. The table surface is thereby divided according to its various functions as we distinguish between areas that are private and shared, used and unused, mine and yours. The surface of the table is more or less a chart or grid that defines the boundaries between individual partitions in relation to the whole as well as other partitions.

The area and position of individual allotments on the table surface can change. Objects may be repositioned between areas, which are divided between individuals. As such, a table can function as a common platform where the deployment of power takes place. This becomes apparent in the case of table games, but also during meetings and meals.

It has been said that a table functions as a platform for what takes place on,, around, and also under it. It structures the visible by delineating mutual positions and the functions of individual elements. But how does this connect to what is invisible and happens under the table? No table is without the dark abyss beneath it. While establishing the apparent, comprehensible, structured and socially acceptable, at the same time, a table also forms an underside – the hidden, nontransparent, unorganized, and antisocial. The table protects us from this dark area - it prevents it from penetrating our organized space and inhibits vision of an uncomfortable encounter. Simultaneously, this area of the unknown is able to grow freely, according to its own unorganized, aimless incentives, which have not been structured or demarcated – at least not in an overtly accessible fashion.

We have experienced tendencies in art aiming to apply creative and imaginative potential to that which is hidden under the table. Proponents of this approach initiated an insurgence against a suffocating culture. In an articulate manner they spoke in favor of the silent body pressing against and dangling beneath the table, whilst aiming to surface through various cracks and flaws in the desk. Aspiring to transcend to the upper-side of the tabular barrier, however, can only take place when there is a border to pass. Thus, transgression locates meaning only when in permanent contact with the border. It is not in the interest of the body to precipitate the desk, but to continuously rub it against our body.

The dark , underside of the desk is aware of the fact that the freedom therein is opposed to the rules enacted above the table. It is directly related to the implicit codes of conduct that are suggested by the nature of the table. The main goal underneath the table, is to obscure the loopholes used to escape upwards. Crime does not aim for transgression. It is in the interest of the criminal to locate and retain the border dividing him from the ordered world of his surroundings. He is not interested in changing the law, but rather aims to escape its purview and protect his personal space, over which he presides.

There are however also crimes where offenders intentionally leave behind trails. They are escaping captivity, yet they send out messages. They want to assert a presence, yet simultaneously remain hidden. These offenders have very much in common with artists aspiring for transgression of a social order, which depend on the border as metaphorically evidenced by the table. When conspirators involved in a crime shake hands under the table, the handshake affirms a duality–a sort of joint guilt, but also a desire to remain disguised. The question remains: who do we hope to deceive since we are all implicated in the construction of these codes?

The year-round exhibition plan of Karlin Studios is supported by: Prague City Hall, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic
Media support: Artyčok.tv, PragueOut, Rádio 1, Radio Wave, Umělec, Artmap
Projekt partner / Project partner: M2 Real estate

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Open Studio: Liz Murray
Site Unseen
Liz Murray will present her works in the residents’ studio at Karlin Studios on December 8th 2010 from 6pm until 9pm
Liz Murray are currently taking part in Residency 10 organised by FUTURA.

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Open Studio: Jaroslav Varga
Jaroslav Varga will present his works in the residents’ studio at Karlin Studios on December 8th 2010 from 6pm until 9pm
Jaroslav Varga are currently taking part in Residency 10 organised by FUTURA.

Opening 8 December 2010, 6 p.m.

Karlin Studios
Krizikova 34, Prague Rep. Ceca

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