Trevor Paglen
dal 1/10/2014 al 21/2/2015
Segnalato da
1/10/2014
Trevor Paglen
Kunstmuseum Bonn, Bonn
His work transports a political message. His highly aesthetic photographs are sensual and cite the nature pathos of romanticism which sees in nature a place of yearning for the free development of the individual.
Curator Dr. Christoph Schreier
In cooperation with the exhibition "Outer Space," which is organized by Kunst- und
Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Kunstmuseum Bonn will be presenting a
room with photographic works by Trevor Paglen (*1974
in Maryland). Paglen, who holds an
academic title in geography and in addition to his work as a photographer is also the author of
several publications, has been engaged in the subject
of the control and monitoring systems
used by globally operating superpowers for years. For these superpowers, we have turned into
objects of observation and surveillance satellites and drones have meanwhile become able to
document all of our steps and actions. High-resolution cameras are made use of for these
purposes and this is not without consequence for the
definition of the medium of
photography. While it once represented the individua
l’s sovereign view of the world, the
direction of view has changed: Secret authorities whos
e existence can hardly be legitimized
democratically are watching us and draw from us even
our most private secrets. Paglen’s
photography uncovers this development and reclaims ou
r rights as we have to regain our
control over these instruments of power.
Paglen’s work thus transports a political message without bluntly forcing a focus on it. Instead,
the opposite is the case. His highly aesthetic photographs are sensual and cite the nature pathos of romanticism which sees in nature a place of yearning for the free development of the individual. This place, however, is occupied by produ
cts of the war industry today, by afore-
mentioned satellites and drones which can often only
be recognized as marginal interruptions
of an overall picture that seems so harmonic at firs
t sight. These interruptions, however, don’t
impose themselves on the viewer, they require a seco
nd, more critical look in order to be
recognized. And this is exactly what Trevor Paglen’s
photography asks for: To take a closer look
and not content ourselves with a superficial glance.
This exhibition continues Kunstmuseum Bonn’s series
on American photography and will be
followed by a substantial presentation of Larry Sul
tan’s work to take place from February 2015.
This exhibition was realized with kind support of Galerie Zander, Cologne.
Image: Untitled (Predator Drones), 2013. C-print. Courtesy the artist & Galerie Thomas Zander, Cologne
Press contact
Theresa Viehoff-Heithorn, T 0228-77 6223, theresa.viehoff-heithorn@bonn.de
Media Conference: Thursday, 2 October 2014, 11 a.m.
Kunstmuseum Bonn - Museumsmeile
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 2 l 53113 Bonn l Germany
Hours
Tues – Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December 2014
Admission
Adults: € 12
Reduced: € 7 (for juveniles up to 17 years, students, apprentices, disabled persons according to the German disabilities act, persons participating in the Federal Volunteer Service, Bonn-Card holders)
Groups: € 10 (groups of 10+ persons)