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Swiss artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss’s films The Point of Least Resistance (1981) and The Right Way (1983) are a fusion of humour, philosophy, visual storytelling, and pivotal works in the artists’ oeuvre. This screening brings together these two early works, which explore the intricate balance between reality and fantasy, art and life, through the creative perspectives of these influential artists.
The Point of Least Resistance (1981) marks Fischli and Weiss’s first foray into film. Set against a film noir Los Angeles backdrop, it introduces Rat and Bear, the duo’s alter egos, who embark on a detective adventure after stumbling upon a corpse in an art gallery. This discovery sets them on an introspective journey, blurring the lines between art, crime, and existential inquiry. As they delve deeper, they encounter various challenges and epiphanies, leading to profound philosophical musings about the world’s order and chaos.
The Right Way (1983), the sequel, follows Rat and Bear’s adventures through the Swiss Alps. This metaphorical and literal journey takes them across diverse terrains, confronting natural elements and their own existential crises. The film weaves a rich narrative of experiences that oscillate between the comical and the profound. It reflects on life, friendship, and the quest for meaning as the characters alternately celebrate and question their existence.
Fischli and Weiss began their collaboration in 1979. They are celebrated for their innovative approach, blending humour, irony, and wonder into everyday objects and experiences. The ICA’s screening of these films is an invitation to journey into the imaginative and thought-provoking world of the artists.
Fischli and Weiss’s first UK solo exhibition took place at ICA in 1988. Their current solo exhibition at Sprüth Magers, London, is open until 3 February, 2024.
Peter Fischli David Weiss, The Point of Least Resistance, 1981, SD video, colour, sound, 29 min.
Peter Fischli David Weiss, The Right Way, 1983, SD video, colour, sound, 55 min.
The Point of Least Resistance (1981) marks Fischli and Weiss’s first foray into film. Set against a film noir Los Angeles backdrop, it introduces Rat and Bear, the duo’s alter egos, who embark on a detective adventure after stumbling upon a corpse in an art gallery. This discovery sets them on an introspective journey, blurring the lines between art, crime, and existential inquiry. As they delve deeper, they encounter various challenges and epiphanies, leading to profound philosophical musings about the world’s order and chaos.
The Right Way (1983), the sequel, follows Rat and Bear’s adventures through the Swiss Alps. This metaphorical and literal journey takes them across diverse terrains, confronting natural elements and their own existential crises. The film weaves a rich narrative of experiences that oscillate between the comical and the profound. It reflects on life, friendship, and the quest for meaning as the characters alternately celebrate and question their existence.
Fischli and Weiss began their collaboration in 1979. They are celebrated for their innovative approach, blending humour, irony, and wonder into everyday objects and experiences. The ICA’s screening of these films is an invitation to journey into the imaginative and thought-provoking world of the artists.
Fischli and Weiss’s first UK solo exhibition took place at ICA in 1988. Their current solo exhibition at Sprüth Magers, London, is open until 3 February, 2024.
Programme
Peter Fischli David Weiss, The Point of Least Resistance, 1981, SD video, colour, sound, 29 min.
Peter Fischli David Weiss, The Right Way, 1983, SD video, colour, sound, 55 min.
Peter Fischli (b.1952) and David Weiss (1946–2012) met in 1977 and began their artistic collaboration in 1979. Their work spans a wide range of media, including sculpture, installation, photography and the moving image. Their artwork has been the subject of many prominent solo exhibitions around the world, including shows at: Aspen Art Museum in Aspen, USA (2017); the Art Institute of Chicago and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), USA (2017/18); Fondation Beyeler in Riehen, Switzerland (2016); the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan (2010); Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, Spain (2009); and the ICA, London (1988); and retrospectives at the Deichtorhallen Hamburg (2008), the Kunsthaus Zürich (2007); and Tate Modern in London (2006). Their major solo show How to Work Better was presented at the Guggenheim in New York in 2016.
07:00 pm
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
Cinema 1
All films are ad-free and 18+ unless otherwise stated, and start with a 10 min. curated selection of trailers.
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no. 236848.