“The Object Lag” and book launch “Figures of Speech”
August 24th, 2010, 7 pm at Archive Kabinett in Dieffenbachstraße 31, Berlin.

On invitation by Falke Pisano and Archive kabinett, Emily Williams presents “The Object Lag”, a yearlong project she is currently curating at Nieuwe Vide art space in Haarlem, as guest curator for 2010. The event will double as the Berlin book launch of Pisano’s publication “Figures of Speech”.

The Object Lag, is an open evolving structure that seeks to place the emphasis on the interrelated contexts that orbit the object. Seeing the object and its experience, as something that is constantly in movement and so open to an infinite amount of possibilities and readings. The Object Lag transforms the common curatorial practice of organizing and arranging into the very material itself, with its dynamic evolution resting on the contributions made by numerous artists and designers, activating, translating and feeding back into its structure.

The five interrelated parts of The Object Lag are entitled Form & Content, Translation, The Archaeology of Autonomy, Cross-Reference, and The Intangible, each taking on a different stance toward the object. Part One, posed the self-referential question of how it should carry itself, to unfold naturally in relation and reaction to its content? Part Two, brought together artists and designers reflecting on the notion of translation and in Part Three The Object Lag juxtaposed its dynamic structure with a working period in the Teylers Museum in Haarlem, with performances and temporary interventions made by artists and designers intersecting the static nature of its 224 year old museum model, challenging the notion of autonomy.

Preceding Part Four- Cross-Reference, where a selection of writings and thesis’ by artists and designers form the next departure point, Williams reflects on The Object Lag with a presentation in Archive kabinett. Often referring to her role within the project as a choreographer of events, her position as a curator is not fixed but merges with and informs her artistic practice. For this presentation she brings to the foreground, the very personal artistic constellation of thoughts and ideas that formed the starting point for this multi faceted curatorial project.

The event on the 24th of August will simultaneously serve as the Berlin booklaunch of Falke Pisano’s publication Figures of Speech. Published by JRP Ringier / Christopher Keller Editions Figures of Speech is largely based on a performative practice of writing and involves a circulation and exchange of language, ideas, and form. The publication comprises Pisano’s recent work with a focus on the act of speech in relation to different forms of agency in artistic production. Although less outspoken than in Emily Williams’ curatorial and artistic practice, the notion of “the object” functions as a constant reference point; one that is both strategically affirmed and negated.

Archive Kabinett is a platform from where to experiment with formats and concepts related to the field of publishing. Its intent is to investigate art practices in the context of a wider cultural and social environment. Archive Kabinett’s agenda is focused on the shifting cultural values and distribution possibilities, aiming also to encourage a critical discussion around the function of an exhibition. From this starting point, it translates, organizes, and circulates critically invested materials. Archive Kabinett is also the editorial office of Archive Books and Archive Journal. The design of its space is an ongoing collaboration project with the architectural practice nOffice.

ARCHIVE KABINETT
Dieffenbachstraße 31, 10967 Berlin
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 3pm-8pm
U8 Schönleinstraße
U1 Kottbusser Tor
www.archivekabinett.org