Alex Monteith, Composition with RNZAF 3 Squadron Exercise Blackbird, 2010, 3-Kanal-Audio-Video-Installation, Courtesy the artist. Image description: In the center of the image, a black helicopter is flying just a few meters above the ground. Two other helicopters follow it on the right. The ground is a light brown color, like dried grass. They are flying against a mountainous backdrop; the tops of the trees are surrounded by fog.
Alex Monteith, Composition with RNZAF 3 Squadron Exercise Blackbird, 2010, 3-Kanal-Audio-Video-Installation, Courtesy the artist. Image description: In the center of the image, a black helicopter is flying just a few meters above the ground. Two other helicopters follow it on the right. The ground is a light brown color, like dried grass. They are flying against a mountainous backdrop; the tops of the trees are surrounded by fog.

Alex Monteith

Exercise Blackbird

The films and film installations by the artist and director Alex Monteith of New Zealand are characterized by a strong visual and poetic language of remarkable compositional clarity. Her works revolve around the themes of speed, endurance and high performance.

The MMK will present the three-channel video installation Composition with RNZAF 3 Squadron Exercise Blackbird. This large-scale installation conveys a very real sense of being in a helicopter and flying thunderously over the snow-covered alpine landscape of New Zealand’s South Island. On three helicopters forming a squadron, the artist mounted cameras pointing backwards. The three projections initially differ from one another slightly, creating a sense of disconcertion in the viewer. Above the deafening sound of the helicopters, the voices of the pilots communicating by radio can be heard, making the scenes reminiscent of a military campaign.

Alex Monteith's films mirror the liberties enjoyed by modern society while also drawing attention to the limitations of human action in coming to terms with geographic, environmental or territorial situations and conflicts.

Exhibition

5 Oktober — 25 November 2012

MUSEUMMMK

Domstraße 10
60311 Frankfurt am Main


mmk@stadt-frankfurt.de
+49 69 212 30447