On https://blog.staedelmuseum.de, we read about Erwin Wurm’s ‘One Minute Sculptures’ : “Can art be humorous? Or is art always ernest? In which category do the "One Minute Sculptures" by Erwin Wurms fall in this context? “Lay it on the slat – make sure none of the parts touches the pedestal.” This instruction by Erwin Wurm (*1954) sounds simple, but its execution is far from it. The artist tried to himself and filmed himself doing so. In 1997, this video marked the beginning of his “One Minute Sculptures”, which are based on the idea of assuming a certain position and staying in it for 60 seconds. it shows how Wurm struggles to position his body on the side of a slat, constantly changing his position while having to support himself again and again, with his muscles trembling. After multiple attempts, Wurm finally succeeds: no contact with the ground. But as soon as it seems like the artist has found a semi-stable balance, he tips over and lands on his back like a bug.
Attempts like this to create a “One Minute Sculpture” are difficult to perform and don’t seem to make much sense at first glance. Success is only short-lived and inevitably followed by another failure. This can be frustrating but can also be quite funny. What makes some of the “One Minute Sculptures” seem so funny? The humor in Wurm’s works lies mainly in their absurdity. The artist confronts the beholder with unusual situations in stark contrast to what is considered normal. When someone sticks their head into a garbage can or a wall, it disturbingly contradicts our everyday experiences. However, Wurm’s instructions are not first and foremost meant as entertainment or intended to amuse the beholder. They deal with everyday problems: How do I present myself in public? How do others see me? What am I ashamed of? What effect does my body language have on myself and others?”
Erwin Wurm’s works are now on display through 14 June at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum in Taiwan. What makes them special : “One Minute Sculptures are designed to be created by the public. As part of the pandemic protection measures, the work here will be demonstrated by the museum staff. We will assess whether or not to allow public participation based on subsequent developments of the pandemic. Please follow the TFAM website and Facebook page for the latest updates.”
