Influencers

Review of Artists' Influencers by Art Basel

Katharina Grosse (German) ,Sarah Sze (American), Moderator: Hans Ulrich Obrist

When artists are asked who their influencers are, most people expect the artist to identify a source who is from a different generation or maybe even a poet, but some artist looks to people in their own circle. That was the case for Katharina Grosse who chose to invite Sarah Sze for the Art Basel conversation. Grosse had first seen Sze's work while she was in Germany in a magazine and she was struck with awe and curiosity about the artist behind the work. Grosse states that what she saw was so different from her own creations that it stuck with her a long time. The two artists then created works that were exhibited closely together for the Sao Paulo Biennial in Brasil but did not meet then. However, a poorly taken photo by a visitor was found on the internet of the show where both artists' work is seen simultaneously displayed. Now, they were sitting right next to each other almost as if this was a full-circle moment. Grosse mentions she had begun her piece before all the other art was installed because her spray paint could damage other works. But she had been informed that Sze had worked on her piece for three weeks before the show too. Grosse mentions how she had hoped to run into her, but unfortunately had not.

Sze then speaks about how in today's world, images are everywhere and can translate information in such a different way it almost becomes an artwork itself. She also says she is interested in those moments that are burned in your memory and almost "haunt" you after all this time. I certainly can relate to this statement, since I was a little girl the Diego Rivera print my grandmother had in her living room is something I remember always. It was one of the first art pieces I was introduced to, and it hung over my grandmother's couch. 

Grosse, Untitled (Bedroom), 2004. Installation. 

Grosse, recalls the influence of sharpness and broken glass, she says she would spend thirty minutes driving to the studio and would imagine the windshield shattering in front of her. She states how often when we spend hours doing a task, elements of that task stay with us. Like for instance cooking and chopping vegetables, you might be more aware of sharpness after you're done. Grosse says she welcomes influences to come to her this way.  This thought remained with her for some time, until she had to break a window herself. Coincidentally she was experiencing creators block with her work around this time. One day she locked her key in the car and was in a rush to go somewhere so she had to smash the window. Once she did she felt a great sense of relief and breakthrough in her work. 

The initial image of Sze's work that had an impact on Grosse 

 

The artist participate in a dialogue of their process and particular piece they have created. Many times they have exhibited in the same shows, so they speak to each other's thoughts and impressions of their works. There are times where they will ask each other questions, and at one point Grosse asks Sze if there had ever been a time where one particular piece changes due to the site it is in. Interestingly enough, Sze created a work on a gallery wall where she recreates her art studio and measures the distance of certain items from her desk. This reproduction is difficult to do simply from memory but there is a general mindmap of where things are. Grosse created a similar piece in which she displays two long pieces of fabrics on two walls, and on the fabric are outlines of shapes. The shapes represent where she has pieces she would work on in the studio, so in a sense, the visitors are walking through her personal studio as well. I found it very interesting that two different artists can have similar intentions but have the outcome be so incredibly unique. 

Image of Sze's studio Installation 

Wunderbild, 2018. Arylic on fabric 1450 x 689cm. 

  In the beginning of this series, there is an explanation as to what the "influencer" series will be and what it entails. The series was a platform to learn about an artist and have them bring another artist from who they have learned from. Its a wonderful feedback loop that provides rich insight. At the end of the conversation, guests in the audience have the opputrunity to ask questions. Hans says when we have a dialogue with each other we do not lose our identity, it actually causes our identity to be richer.

"Works are just platforms for conversation you hope continues" -Sarah Sze 

"Artists' Influencers by Art Basel

  Total time:1 hour 19mins