Do you think art is fiction? That it is something of eternal beauty that allows you to escape from your transitory human life? Look! Your life, our life, is reflected in art. No matter how passing and transitory that life may be. Art is about everything that affects us.
The exhibition was inspired by a novel by André Malraux, an author connected to surrealism. In 1930 he published ‘La condition humaine’, translated into English as: ‘Man’s Fate’.
The story takes place at the start of the communist revolution in China, but that is not what makes it unforgettable. All the characters come to life as people of flesh and blood, who suffer and love. They are torn by an inner discord and are aware of the impossibility of aligning passion and reason. Each of them feels isolated amidst all the others and each is connected to the rest in that loneliness.
Life is only beautiful when we recognize ourselves. When we recognize ourselves in someone else, we play the game of love and seduction, we cherish each other, and we fight together for the future, and for the free, independent development of the mind. Dance! That bond is strongest when we dance together.
La La La Human Steps offers a selection from the old and contemporary masters collection of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen and exhibits works from different times and from all disciplines. At our request, an international selection of choreographers and their dancers visualized the process of attraction and rejection and stress that life must be expressed. Or, as Malraux wrote: with art man rebels against his fate.
This exhibition was previously staged in a changing configuration in the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and in Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. The selection from this exhibition can be enhanced with works from the venue’s collection.
Performances on video
Images from the following performances, acting as a connecting thread, will be shown on small screens throughout the exhibition:
La La La Human Steps – Edouard Lock Scapino Ballet – Ed Wubbe Krumping duel between dancers Ques and Claerence Person
Live performances by dance groups like those seen in Rotterdam can be considered for the public program. Video clips of these performances can be found online: HipHopHuis and Édouard Lock.
Current list of artists
Vito Acconci, Bas Jan Ader, Carlos Amorales, Yael Bartana, John Bock, Gerard ter Borch (II), James Lee Byars, David Claerbout, Joost Conijn, Dirck Volkertsz. Coornhert, Johan Christian Dahl, Jeroen Eisinga, Peter Feiler, Frans Floris (I), Yang Fudong, Cyprien Gaiilard, Robert Gober, Guercino, Cornelis Cornelisz. van Haarlem, Siobhán Hapaska,
Joachim Koester, Paul Kooiker, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, Mark Manders, Melvin Moti, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Bruce Nauman, Erkka Nissinen, Giovani Battista Piranesi, Robin Rhode, Pipilotti Rist, Peter Paul Rubens, Cindy Sherman, Paul Thek, Salla Tykkä, Bill Viola, Andro Wekua, Sylvie Zijlmans and Unica Zürn.
Note: Works on paper can change due to lux restrictions because of previous presentations.
Want to know more?
Sandra Tatsakis Director Touring Exhibitions T + 31 (0)10 44 19 421 tatsakis@boijmans.nl
