Phil Collins, In every dream home a heartache
Museum Ludwig, Cologne, Germany
April 18 - July 21, 2013
For his upcoming exhibition at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Germany, the artist PHIL COLLINS is producing a new piece “my heart’s in my hand, and my hand is pierced, and my hand’s in the bag, and the bag is shut, and my heart is caught ” in collaboration with guests of GULLIVER, a homeless centre located in the centre of Cologne. There, Phil Collins installed a phone booth with a free line that anyone could use for unlimited international calls, the only condition being an agreement that the conversations were recorded. The collected material, which was then posted to a group of international musicians, served as the basis for a compilation of original new songs which will be presented in the exhibition as 7” vinyl records in specifically designed sound booths, into which the visitors can retreat, alongside a selection of video installations and photographs from recent years.
PHIL COLLINS
Rude Boys, Leith Street #1, 2011
Lightjet print on Fuji Crystal Archive, 70 x 70 cm.
Courtesy Shady Lane Productions.
Having grown up in Runcorn, North England in the 70s and 80s, Phil Collins’ main interests lie in music, TV, and pop culture in general, originating in that time. In his films and photographs, he investigates the relationship between man and camera and the characteristics of the respective media in their everyday context. By instrumentalizing the apparatus of popular culture, he uses mass media strategies and critically applies them to an artistic context. His focus is always on direct engagement with ordinary people, who occupy center stage in his project-like videos, photographs, and sound pieces. Phil Collins travels to remote places—frequently scenes of political conflict— that fascinate him because of the changes taking place there. He uses newspaper ads and castings to encourage locals to participate in his work, especially people following their own agenda in encounters that often possess a high emotional charge.
Phil Collins is confronting today’s short-lived and noncommittal communication per text messages and constant short calls from smart phone to smart phone with an analogue and slowed-down factor, which is emphasized further through the use of the almost anachronistic medium of the vinyl record.
PHIL COLLINS
This Unfortunate Thing Between Us, 2011
Installation view, Artes Mundi 5, Chapter Art Centre, Cardiff, 2012.
Courtesy Shady Lane Productions.
PHIL COLLINS
This Unfortunate Thing Between Us, 2011
Installation view, Artes Mundi 5, Chapter Art Centre, Cardiff, 2012.
Photo: Robin Maggs.
Courtesy Shady Lane Productions & Artes Mundi 5.
Phil Collins collaborators have included men and women whose lives have been ruined by reality TV (The Return of the Real, 2006), who have had unpleasant experiences as a result of TV shopping (This Unfortunate Thing Between Us, 2011), or who have performed karaoke versions of songs by The Smiths in various parts of the world (The World Won’t Listen, 2005).
PHIL COLLINS
the world won't listen, 2004-2007
Three-channel synchronised video installation; colour, sound; 56 min.
Production still, Gedung Medeka, Bandung, 2007.
Courtesy Shady Lane Productions.
Never judgmental, Phil Collins’s work reflects his interest in the formats and forms employed by the entertainment industry and in the personal consequences that its treatment of the individual can have. The artist is producing a new piece for his show at the Museum Ludwig. It requires the participation of local inhabitants and features collaborations with various musicians from all over Germany.
Exhibition curator: Anna Brohm
The exhibition is supported by Stiftung Kunstfonds.
“my heart’s in my hand, and my hand is pierced, and my hand’s in the bag, and the bag is shut, and my heart is caught ” is a supported project of the Academy of the Arts of the World.
MUSEUM LUDWIG, COLOGNE
Heinrich-Böll-Platz - 50667 Köln
Museum website: www.museum-ludwig.de
Other post about this artist: Phil Collins at Cornerhouse Manchester 2010
