Warren Neidich - In The Minds I
In the Mind’s I (2009-10)
Performance on Dec. 5, 2009 at Maison Gregoire | Brussels
Kunsthalle Athena, May, 2010 | Athens
Performative Installation | Variable Dimensions
In the Mind’s I is a one-on-one performative art work in which Warren Neidich utilizes visual memories of objects and scenarios of participants and a set of presented real objects from which the visitor may choose from to create works of art in their mind’s eye. The Minds Eye Becomes a kind of Stage in a Theater of consciousness that doubles as an immaterial Exhibition space. Each of us can conjure a white cube in their mind’s eye by closing ones eyes and simply remembering a white cube or similar space that they especially liked or were intrigued with. Each participant will be asked to make five very different pieces to hang or to be installed sequentially but appreciated finally simultaneously as an exhibition. As such the works of art only exist during the time of the performance and as memories. No physical trace is left behind to sell or barter. Although it is conceivable that the participant will take home certain memories with them that were generated during the performance. Each artwork can only be known as such to that particular participant, as they were the only ones who really experienced it. It is made up of her or his memories and is therefore a unique work of art. Does that visitor become the artist? Who owns the work? What are its display conditions? Is that person the only one who has the ability and right to display that work forever in their mind?