Lodz (Poland)-based artist Cezary Bodzianowski (*1968) uses images of himself in photos and videos to focus on the persiflage of the artistic subject and, by extension, of his person. He is a close observer of social life and the art world. By being demonstratively mysterious, he hides behind clichés – on the one hand fomenting, on the other disappointing expectations placed in him.
Everyday situations are reinterpreted to produce bizarre and humorous forms of communication with an audience. But in the literal sense, there is no “audience“ except assistants and passers-by who become involved in his performances by chance. Ephemeral memories of these instances of transformed everyday reality are captured in video and photo documentaries.
The Kunst Halle celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2005. In this year’s anniversary summer we wanted an artist in residence to stay at St. Gallen for an extended period, receiving the opportunity to live and work here and to explore the place and its people at close quarters. Cezary Bodzianowski acts spontaneously, orchestrating himself in everyday surroundings and playing with situations and images. With the objectification of his own image in the strangest possible situations, the artist sharpens and enriches our images of everyday life.
Instead of displaying documents of his actions at the Kunst Halle itself (which would institutionalise them), Bodzianowski uses the city as an exhibition space. His works can be seen in several private and public buildings.
1. Museum of Art and Nature History, Museumsstrasse 32, open until 5 PM (Open Museums Night until 2 AM)
2. Lounge of the Appenzell Railways, Bahnhofplatz 7, open until 9:30 PM (Open Museums Night until 2 AM)
3. Public School St. Leonhard, Vadianstrasse 49, open until 8 PM (Open Museums Night until 2 AM)
4. Police, Vadianstrasse 57, open until 8 PM (Open Museums Night until 2 AM)
5. Entrance to the "Lapidarium", Klosterhof 6a, open until 4PM (Open Museums Night until 2 AM)
6. Appartment of the Bodzianowskis, Kapellenstrasse 2, please press the bell, irregular opening hours
7. Hotel Einstein, Réception, Berneggstrasse 2, open until 10 PM (Open Museums Night until 21 AM)
This exhibition was generously supported by:
Pro Helvetia, Cracow, Embassy of th Republic of Poland, Berne, Municipal Police St. Gallen, Hotel Einstein, Appenzell Railways, Kunstmuseum St. Gallen