Paul Delvaux, The secret of Women (Das Geheimnis der Frau), Kunsthalle Bielefeld, 22.10.2006.-21.1.2007
Performance 22.11.2006

The painting "Spitzenprosesion" by Paul Delvaux from 1934, who is a Surealist from Belgium, raises many questions. Who are the women, whose back is only to be seen? Where do they go? The way seems to be not only long but eternally and the scene leeds to the impression of being frightened. The frightening scenery in the painting is to be partly transformed into reality. The painting is large scaled projected to the wall. By intention the painting will be shown in black and white (not in colour). And one woman in the middle of the painting is taken out to be replaced by the artist. The music of 2001 "A space odyssey/lux Aeterna" by Stanley Kubrick (composed by Gregory Ligetis) is mostly dominated by a woman choir. These women are almost crying and create an infinitely frightening atmosphere. The woman choir refers directly to the women in the painting. The music (7 minutes) is repeated for 1 hour. The artist walks in her performance in slow motion towards the projection on the wall, till she reaches it. Both, music and walking will implify the long way and procession. The whole scene affects the viewer like a dream world. This effect is strengthened after each 7 minutes. To set a contra point, every 7 minute sequence will be ended with the sound of a fast passing train with the projection going black, leaving traces of fog, when it is gone. An important component in Pauls work is the railway ­ So the train completes the scene. I create as well a further relationship with Paul Delvaux pictures, in which he unites many absurd elements.

Beamer, DVD PLayer, soundsystem, Spotlights, oil lamp, Dress

1 h

Videostills by Daniel Neugebauer