Henrik Håkansson, Tiergarten, May 12, 2002 (Luscinia megarhynchos), (detail), 2002, Video still Courtesy The Modern Institute / Toby Webster Ltd and Galleria Franco Noero
Birdconcert Oct. 23, 2005 (Carduelis carduelis) Part 1
‘A set to consist of a single bird performing its natural voice live onstage. The full set is with audience and 16mm film production focusing on the bird’s performance and the full aspect of the surroundings. The set should be open to the public at a venue directed toward musical performances.’
Henrik Håkansson, London, July 2005
Håkansson used the distinct cultural environment of the fair to facilitate the production of an off-site event, while also employing the format of performance and the scenario of filmmaking. A concert hall more regularly used for classical recitals was the site of a solo performance of a bird. In this synthetic environment a native British songbird became a fragile, exotic spectacle. The observation of nature results in the production of culture. The audience themselves became players and, in turn, the process of art-making became the subject of the piece. All Frieze Art Fair visitors were invited to take part. The performance was recorded and will be produced after the event as a film work.
The concert took place at 7.30pm on Sunday 23 October at the Royal Academy of Music, London, and was open to all holders of Frieze Art Fair admission tickets. The Royal Academy of Music is on Marylebone Road, a short walk from Frieze Art Fair in the direction of Baker Street, near Madame Tussauds.
Henrik Håkansson (b.1968) is a Swedish artist based in Berlin and London. Håkansson has a prolific history of exhibitions, recent solo shows include The Dunker Culture Centre, Helsinborg (2004) and Bonner Kunstverein (2003). In 2004 he participated in the Sao Paulo Biennale and in ‘Utopia Station’ at the 50th Venice Biennale (2003). In September 2005 Håkansson participates in the Lyon Biennale. Birdconcert Oct. 23, 2005 (Carduelis carduelis) Part 1was Håkansson’s first project in London since 2000.
