Manifesto

Manifesto draws on the writings of Futurists, Dadaists, Fluxus artists, Suprematists, Situationists, Dogma 95 and other artist groups, and the musings of individual artists, architects, dancers and filmmakers. Passing the ideas of Claes Oldenburg, Yvonne Rainer, Kazimir Malevich, André Breton, Sturtevant, Sol LeWitt, Jim Jarmusch, and other influencers through his lens, Julian Rosefeldt has edited and reassembled 13 collages of artists' manifestos.

Performing this ‘manifesto of manifestos’ as a contemporary call to action while inhabiting 13 different personas - among them a school teacher, a puppeteer, a newsreader, a factory worker and a homeless man - Australian actress Cate Blanchett imbues new dramatic life into both famous and lesser known words in unexpected contexts.

Rosefeldt'’s work reveals both the performative component and the political significance of these declarations. Often written in youthful rage, they not only express the wish to change the world through art but also reflect the voice of a generation. Exploring the powerful urgency of these historical statements, which were composed with passion and conviction by artists many years ago, Manifesto questions whether the words and sentiments have withstood the passage of time. Can they be applied universally? And how have the dynamics between politics, art and life shifted?

Auckland Art Gallery Members and children 12 and under are free.

EXTRA: Julian Rosefeldt in conversation with Rhana Devenport
Sunday 4 March 3pm
Auckland Art Gallery Auditorium, Lower Ground Level
Berlin-based artist and filmmaker Julian Rosefeld and Auckland Art Gallery Director Rhana Devenport (ONZM) discuss Manifesto