Dec 10, 2009
I LIKE TO THINK I WOULD SAY NO… I WOULDN’T
Dear M.
Today I was invited to participate in a very prestigious biennial. They saw my show in D. last year and want me to make a new work for them. I always said I would never want to be part of a biennial, easy if you never get the chance to be involved. I asked if I could think about it, they were surprised to hear that, I guess nobody had to think before they accepted, but it was OK.
Basically, I really like the idea of artists from all over the world gathering and representing their country. It also gives so many people a chance to encounter art for the first time, or outside a traditional context. Because it’s outside the traditional context, artist really get the chance to relate to problems locally or important for themselves, which they wouldn’t be able to do inside a traditional museum.
But would I be able to do the same? Is that idea still working? It is the 27th biennial at this location, you would think all local problems have already been addressed. And why would they ask me? Surely they have an idea of what they want to see? I wouldn’t feel free to do what I want.
Well, why should I? They give me an opportunity, for the whole world to see on an amazing location. Why am I complaining so much? Just grab the opportunity to show myself and my work. Who do you think will come to the show? I’m afraid it’s gonna be the same people that have visited all the biennials before, so much for new audiences. Am I gonna let them exploit me for something that’s becoming more traditional than museums?
I like to think I would say no… I wouldn’t
x
Jeroen Marttin