The Public matters
The exhibition THE PUBLIC MATTERS shows how closely utopia and dystopia are connected. On the basis of the publication PUBLIC MATTERS, which emerged from a three-year research on the Skulptur Projekte Archiv, the artist collective Projekt 2077 developed an ambivalent vision of the Skulptur Projekte in 2077. In an 8-channel video installation, surrounded by a comprehensive color intervention, the collective offers artistic-asso- ciative access to the archive material. The result is a dense collage of quotes from old correspondence, current voices and artistic models. It is not uncommon for the collective to parody the current art policy. At the same time, Project 2077 paints the uncomfortable idea of a future in which, as a result of the influence of big data, people are collectively isolated and seek healing in the art projects. A scenario that brings questions by creating answers. Based on this, the FORUM, in the heart of the exhibition, is used as a venue for panel discussions, art discussions, seminars and readings as well as poetry slams and performances. They all focus on the question of the public(s) and their spaces. The film Agreement is set in 2077, when the artist’s work become public and in charge of social position. The film shows the situation how public art and public affairs proceed by that time. After the catastrophe where the big data was abused, the personal data is protected very cautiously with agreement. The film shows the daily and bizarre scene of art appreciation as a treatment, doubting the authenticity and meaning of consent.