abc (art berlin contemporary)17.09.2015–20.09.2015Thomas Geiger
Sperling at art berlin contemporary 2015.
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Thomas Geiger, Le pharaon doré
“Living Dolls” disguised as golden pharaohs appear continually at different landmarks in Paris. The golden figures often stand or sit only few hundreds of meters away from each other and remain motionless until a passer-by inserts a coin. What follows is a little bow before the figure returns to his still position.
One would assume that competition is good for business and leads at least to more creative energy. The more interesting it is, that the pharaohs follow the economic drive rather indifferently and in fact represent an attitude of „ennui“ towards capitalist principles.
In his work Le pharaon doré Thomas Geiger brings numerous golden pharaohs in short video sequences together. They are displayed on several monitors. By this he creates a multiple play of pausing and bowing in the installation.
Le pharaon doré originates, as the most of Geiger’s works, from the interaction with the public space. On some occasions the artist appears as observer, in others he takes action himself. He shifts the perspective on existing situations through minimal activities and by this, uncovers hidden social structures. A recurring subject in his work is the analysis with the means and structures of economy as well as his own roll within it. Geiger’s artistic practice is based on social interaction and always takes place in eye level with the other.
