2003

Florian Matzner, ed. Bert Theis. Some Works, Ostfildern-Ruit: Hatje Cantz Verlag.

Texts by Christian Bernard, Walter Grasskamp, Bert Theis, Pierluigi Tazzi, Angela Vettese, Florian Matzner, Barbara Engelbach, Martí Peran, Roberto Pinto, Lorenzo Rocha Cito, Marco Senaldi

German, English

Softcover, 15.50 x 20.00 cm, 144 pp., 55 ills.

ISBN 978-3-7757-9104-5

“In the neo-liberal stress-society, laziness, for the time being, is not a simple matter. It is, rather, a task that can only be fulfilled with very great effort.” This ironic and critical statement by Milan-based Bert Theis from Luxembourg is characteristic of the concepts behind his works, which he has been producing internationally since the early nineties. He became well known for his contribution to the Venice Biennale in 1995, erecting a Luxembourg pavilion where none had existed before between the Dutch and the Belgian pavilions, although, significantly, both of the neighboring countries had denied him building permission. The artist opens up spaces for creative interaction which can be “occupied” by the public, offering the possibly of transforming monotony into something much more monumental. This first monograph dedicated to Bert Theis’ work presents his most prominent projects, particularly those designed for public spaces, which were realized in the past few years in Germany, France and Italy. Over a dozen authors have each focused their attention on one of the artist’s projects, analyzing and discussing it from their personal point of view as artist, art critic or curator.