British artist Jeremy Deller (*1966) creates a portrait of the village of Appenzell, Switzerland through musical research, thereby displaying a cross section of a pluralistic society. In his project This Is Us, he recorded musical groups in Appenzell using only a simple microphone and recording equipment. The musicians range from performers of traditional regional music to a church choir, from punk to grunge music. The results of his research are published on a CD which is available as an exhibition catalogue.
In March 2003, an earlier version of This Is Us was produced in the village Redhook, NY USA. His portrait of the village was created from the musical activities taking place there. A connection now exists between Appenzell, Switzerland and Redhook, USA, probably for the first time. Within the simple structures of both villages one can easily find similar forms of musical expression. Death metal bands and school choirs are rehearsing in many locations all over the world. The context of this project links individual "cultural interest" groups from widely different localities into an image of the global culture of everyday-life.
This exhibition is generously supported by Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation, British Council Bern, Art:Concept Gallery Paris. Special thanks to Barbara Mosca and Béatrice Campillo.