The City as Performative Space. Francis Alys’ Practice of Wandering

29.09.2010

Wandering through urban space is the core practice of Belgian concept artist Francis Alys, who has lived and worked in Mexico City for 20 years. The motifs and objects collected during his forays are compiled in photographs, performances, and videos, conveying an image of urban space.
With its numerous references to artistic positions of the 1960s and the 70s, Alys’ works are situated on the border between art and life. After early sculptural and performative works, which are conceived as vestiges of the structure of the city, the artist developed large-scale installations allowing the city to be perceived as performative space itself. The lecture discusses Alys’ various interpretations of urban space, which do not constitute a uniform image but each follow individual political and aesthetic dynamics. How does the Belgian artist stage fiction and reality? To what can extent do current trends in urbanism and architecture help articulate the specific nature of his concepts of urban space? After introducing his work the lecture concentrated on the photographic works of Alys, which address the social and political realities of Mexico City.

Ursula Grünenwald (born 1976) studied art history, sociology, and philosophy in Heidelberg and Frankfurt am Main. After completing her studies with a focus on gender studies, critical theory, and international politics, Grünenwald worked in policy development organizations for several years. She has been working on her doctoral thesis “Francis Alys: Wandering as Artistic Practice” since 2006 and is affiliated with the Art History Department of the Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main.