FRAGILE (INSTALLATION)
Installation 4.80 m x 4.80 m with 2 videos
2022/2024
The angled structure by Lyn Bentschik is a shape-shifting work of art that plays with the levels of external perception and inner state.
Viewed from the outside, especially from a distance, it appears to consist of gathered, pointed material piled up in huge dimensions in the corner of the exhibition space. On closer inspection, however, the structure turns out to be a walk-in cave lined with bubble wrap. The interaction between the seemingly luxurious, prestigious fabric and the functional protective material, as well as the transition from the sculptural form to the immersive installation, goes back to the performance fragile (2021). It can also be experienced in the installation through a video. In the performance, the artist wrapped themselves completely in bubble wrap and moved through exhibitions and crowds as a shapeless ball of plastic.
On one hand, Lyn was wonderfully cushioned and protected from injury, but on the other hand, the extensive, cumbersome protective measures made movement extremely difficult. Symbolically, self-protection, which is necessary in order to move around in society emotionally unimpaired, becomes a complicated and stressful matter. Only in a self-equipped cocoon does this seem possible, but at the same time it creates considerable restrictions on freedom of movement. The use of bubble wrap - a simple, cheap, unecological and aesthetically unappealing material - is repurposed here for self-protection. The video of the performance shows how the performer feels, restricted in their movements and field of vision, with a lack of air circulation and soon bathed in sweat, and yet still interacting with people.
In the installation, on the other hand, a feeling of security is created despite the cramped cave. This feeling reinforces the reciprocal aspects of the work - between external perception, self-perception and communication, which is always accompanied by the murmur of misunderstandings.
The installation fragile was originally created for the exhibition Mit Haut und Haar - Körperkunst jetzt! at the Forum Schlossplatz in Aarau (CH) in July 2022. For the December-exhibition Fokus 2024 at the Kunstmuseum Winterthur, the installation was further developed: it was enlarged, which made a rounded dead-end corridor possible. It was also given a roof.
EXPOSURE
Dezemberausstellung Fokus, Kunstmuseum Winterthur (2024-25)
Mit Haut und Haar - Körperkunst jetzt, Forum Schlossplatz Aarau (2022-23)
CREDITS
Concept and Execution: Lyn Bentschik
Sound: Yannick Consaël
Camera: Tren Guerrero
Cut: Tren Guerrero & Lyn Bentschik
Photos: Peter Koehl / Lyn Bentschik. Photos at Kunstmuseum Winterthur: Reto Kaufmann (Courtesy Kunst Museum Winterthur)
Text: Lynn Kost (Curator Kunst Museum Winterhtur)