Christian Marclay takes ’Action’ at Aargauer Kunsthaus

Christian Marclay takes 'Action' at Aargauer Kunsthaus

Christian Marclay
Installation view of ’Action’, a solo exhibition by Christian Marclay recently opened at Aargauer Kunsthaus
(Image credit: press)

We’ve always been all ears when it comes to Christian Marclay. The Swiss-American artist has always brought together sound, popular culture, and visuals in the most remarkable of ways and for his latest solo exhibition, recently opened at Aargauer Kunsthaus in Switzerland, Marclay has turned his attention to the notion of onomatopoeia.

Echoing Marclay’s most recent work, ‘Action’ explores the onomatopoetic potential of written words through graphic collages. The exhibition also features his immersive video animation Surrounds Sounds (2014-15) alongside early and lesser-known works, as well as a number of new paintings and works on paper.

The one-time Wallpaper* guest editor (see W*151) has also paired up with Swiss firm Hächler Fuhrimann Architekten to give a modern spin to a traditional Japanese house. The wooden, pavilion-like structure houses Marclay’s Hanging Scrolls (2011) – presented in Europe for the first time – and will also host a series of talks, musical performances and traditional tea ceremonies through the duration of the exhibition.

What’s curiously absent from most of this show, however, is sound itself. In contrast to his earlier works, the ones presented at Aargauer Kunsthaus evoke sound within the viewer, prompting us to ‘hear with our eyes’. We’re inclined to answer Marclay’s call for action.

subject of onomatopoeia

The new exhibition focuses, for the first time, on his artistic interest in the subject of onomatopoeia

(Image credit: press)

Red Plop

Red Plop, by Christian Marclay, 2014. © White Cube

(Image credit: George Darrell)

Actions: Froosh Sploosh Wooosh Sskuusshh Splat Blortch (No. 2), by Christian Marclay, 2014. © White Cube.

Actions: Froosh Sploosh Wooosh Sskuusshh Splat Blortch (No. 2), by Christian Marclay, 2014. © White Cube.

(Image credit: George Darrell)

the onomatopoetic potential

Echoing Marclay’s most recent work, ‘Action’ explores the onomatopoetic potential of written words through graphic collages

(Image credit: press)

Installation view of ’Action’.

Installation view of ’Action’.

(Image credit: René Rötheli)

Christian Marclay takes ’Action’ at Aargauer Kunsthaus

The one-time Wallpaper* guest editor has also paired up with Swiss firm Hächler Fuhrimann Architekten to give a modern spin to a traditional Japanese house. 

(Image credit: René Rötheli)

The structure-Christian Marclay takes ’Action’ at Aargauer Kunsthaus

The structure will play host to a series of talks, musical performances and traditional tea ceremonies through the duration of the exhibition. 

(Image credit: René Rötheli)

The wooden, pavilion-like structure also houses Marclay’s Hanging Scrolls (2011) – presented in Europe for the first time.

The wooden, pavilion-like structure also houses Marclay’s Hanging Scrolls (2011) – presented in Europe for the first time.

(Image credit: René Rötheli)

Art exhibition

What’s curiously absent from most of this show, however, is sound itself.

(Image credit: René Rötheli)

Christian Marclay work

In contrast to his earlier works, the ones presented at Aargauer Kunsthaus evoke sound within the viewer, prompting us to ‘hear with our eyes’. Pictured (right): Grey Drip Door (The Electric Chair), 2006.

(Image credit: René Rötheli)

The exhibition

The exhibition also features his immersive video animation Surrounds Sounds (2014-15).

(Image credit: René Rötheli)

Installation view of ’Action’.

Installation view of ’Action’.

(Image credit: René Rötheli)

Whomp, by Christian Marclay

Whomp, by Christian Marclay, 2006. Courtesy of the artist and White Cube, London

(Image credit: Christian Marclay and White Cube)

Black Shlup

Black Shlup, by Christian Marclay, 2014. © White Cube.

(Image credit: George Darrell)

Actions: Plish Plip Plap Plop (No. 3)

Actions: Plish Plip Plap Plop (No. 3), by Christian Marclay, 2013. Courtesy of the artist and Paula Cooper Gallery, New York

(Image credit: Will Lytch)

Installation view of Surrounds Sounds (2014-15).

Installation view of Surrounds Sounds (2014-15).

(Image credit: René Rötheli)

INFORMATION

‘Action’ runs until 15 November 2015

ADDRESS

Aargauer Kunsthaus
Aargauerplatz
CH-5001 Aaarau
Switzerland

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