Finissage
Fri–Sun, August 10–12, 2012
FINAL CUT – the name is BURROUGHS
With "the name is BURROUGHS. Expanded Media," the ZKM thematizes the life and work of the American-born artists, who, fifteen years after his death, has lost nothing of his fascination, his aura and his charisma. The name William S. Burroughs, whose extraordinary biography took him to New York, Mexico City, Tangiers, Paris and London is associated with a touch of infamy; his work is still considered an insiders' tip, and a continually updated Homepage entitled "RealityStudio" has been dedicated to his universe. In addition to the writer's influence, the exhibition publically presents his multi-media work including examples of his sound and film experiments, his photographic work and assemblages. Also presented are works by an impressive range of artists from all disciplines who have been directly inspired by Burroughs' and his though, as well as a series of works he completed with other artist's – so-called "Collaborations".
FINAL CUT concludes this extremely facet-rich, month-long exhibition with a program, which allows the familiar and the allied in William S. Burroughs' work to come to expression, the selected aspects of his activities and phases of life, as well as his continued influence.
On Saturday, August 11th, 2012, and Sunday, August 12th, 2012, the admission to the exhibitions of ZKM | Museum of Contemporary Art is free.
FINAL CUT – the name is BURROUGHS
With "the name is BURROUGHS. Expanded Media," the ZKM thematizes the life and work of the American-born artists, who, fifteen years after his death, has lost nothing of his fascination, his aura and his charisma. The name William S. Burroughs, whose extraordinary biography took him to New York, Mexico City, Tangiers, Paris and London is associated with a touch of infamy; his work is still considered an insiders' tip, and a continually updated Homepage entitled "RealityStudio" has been dedicated to his universe. In addition to the writer's influence, the exhibition publically presents his multi-media work including examples of his sound and film experiments, his photographic work and assemblages. Also presented are works by an impressive range of artists from all disciplines who have been directly inspired by Burroughs' and his though, as well as a series of works he completed with other artist's – so-called "Collaborations".
FINAL CUT concludes this extremely facet-rich, month-long exhibition with a program, which allows the familiar and the allied in William S. Burroughs' work to come to expression, the selected aspects of his activities and phases of life, as well as his continued influence.
On Saturday, August 11th, 2012, and Sunday, August 12th, 2012, the admission to the exhibitions of ZKM | Museum of Contemporary Art is free.
Program
All events in the ZKM_Lecture Hall
Fri 2012/08/10
6 p.m.
»Zum Medienkunstpreis an William S. Burroughs 1993« – Introduction with Peter Weibel, following
»Perilous Passage« (2012) – Book presentation with Ian MacFadyen and Terry Wilson
In "Perilous Passage", writer Terry Wilson recounts his time as sorcerer's apprentice under Brion Gysin. On this evening, the author enters into discussion with English writer, critic and essayist Ian MacFadyen, who similarly actively participated in the exhibition "the name is BURROUGHS – Expanded Media". Brion Gysin and William S. Burroughs collaborated on diverse literary projects and techniques, as well as in photographic, film and sound experiments. Gysin also introduced Burroughs Shamanic practices.
7 p.m.
"Words of Advice" (2007) – Film screening with an introduction by Lars Movin
With "Words of Advice: William S. Burroughs On The Road", essayist Lars Movin and filmmaker Steen Rasmussen Møller document a reading tour by William S. Burroughs and John Giorno, which took the two extraordinary North American authors to Finland, Sweden and Denmark in 1983. This film documentary is supplemented by previously unknown scenes and encounters from Lawrence, Kansas, a small town in the Midwest in which Burroughs spent the last fifteen years of his life
Sat 2012/08/11
6 p.m.
"Shut the Fuck Up" – W.S. Burroughs trash-reading with Johnny Shadow
A student of philosophy, a student of jazz, a fine artist and a percussionist perform “Shut the Fuck Up”, a so-called trash-reading. Johnny Shadow, a well-versed Burroughs voice imitator, also contributes his voice. At once astonishing, thrilling and moving, they form the suitable “supporting group “ for John Giorno’s appearance.
7 p.m.
Poetry Performance – with John Giorno
John Giorno is the New York poet who originated the Dial-A-Poem-Poets at the beginning of the 1970s, a poetry service that can be called up by telephone. Giorno travelled together with Burroughs on numerous reading tours from 1974 onwards. In his solo shows, Giorno performed brilliantly with unheard of energy, linguistic precision and an intoxicating élan. John Giorno has also made frequent appearances as a visual artist since 2001.
Sun 2012/08/12
4 p.m.
Discussion
with John Giorno, Ian MacFadyen and Axel Heil
New York poet, John Giorno, scientist and author, Ian MacFadyen, artist Carl Michael von Hausswolff and exhibition curator Axel discuss the fascinating artist William S. Burroughs.
6 p.m.
"Burroughs – the Movie" (1983)
with an Introduction by Udo Breger and Aaron Brookner
The young filmmaker Howard Brookner worked on his documentary film “Burroughs – the Movie” between 1976 and 1983. The film counts among the richest documentaries on the life and work of William S. Burroughs. The film resembles a journey in the company of the artist’s comrades-in-arms such as Allen Ginsberg, Lucien Carr, John Giorno and Brion Gysin. At the time, Howard Brookner’s fellow students Jim Jarmusch (sound) and Tom DiCillo (camera) were among the team.