Splitscreen-Solipsismus
VALIE EXPORT
Splitscreen-Solipsismus, 1968
"Expanded Movie"
"Expanded Movie" Film installation Film, N-8mm, color, silent, Screen, aluminum foil 3 min (loop) Performer: Hubert Weninger Dimensions variable, Projection area approx. 130 x 173 cm
GF0000234.00.0-1995
Artwork text
Splitscreen-Solipsismus is an example of the pioneering media artist VALIE EXPORT’s “Expanded Movie” practice. The film image is duplicated by a mirror set at a right angle to the projection. The boxer throwing punches near, and against, the edge of the image becomes two boxers. He spars with or fights against himself. The fists invariably fly synchronously; each action is its own reaction. It feels like the film does not need us spectators—the boxer is completely absorbed in himself. In reality, though, our eyes and perspectives are of fundamental importance for this film: it is only by seeing the double in the mirror that we complete it. (Jürgen Tabor)