Collection, Studies, Places

Hannes Böck’s films are media experiments that relate structures of visual perception to art-historical research. Using detailed studies and close-ups, the analogue and digital films in this program systematically explore landscapes, urban spaces, and museum collections of cultural artefacts. Going beyond narrative structures, Böck’s films raise questions about the imperial politics of representation, media transfer, and making historical lacunae visible. The film  Sammlung Bau- und Schmuckstein altes Rom (Collection of Building and Decorative Stones of Ancient Rome) looks at objects from the collection of ancient building materials held by the Vienna Natural History Museum and addresses social hierarchies in both the ancient world and the nineteenth century. While Vordergrundstudien (Foreground Studies) refers to a photo album from the 1870s, in which excerpts of landscapes were presented as models for painters and architects, Böck’s newest film (still under production) deviates from the context of modes of perception based on art history and more specifically, the history of photography that has played a key role in his artistic practice to date. 400 known Locations will instead explore the forgotten Nazi camp structures in Vienna, using the images of the camera as situated memories of historical realities.

Program

Sammlung Bau- und Schmuckstein altes Rom, 2022, 16 mm, color, silent, 17 min
Vordergrundstudien, 2023, digital film, HD, color, sound, 24 min
400 known Locations, 2023, 16 mm, color, sound, in production
 

Introduced by Hannes Böck, followed by a conversation with the artist

Hannes Böck, born 1974, lives and works in Vienna. Studied at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna and the Berlin University of the Arts. Exhibitions (selection): 2021 Transfers, Galerie Charim, Vienna; 2018 Out of Sight, Antwerp; 2015 blackbridge off, Beijing; 2014 Forum Expanded, 64th Berlinale Film Festival, Berlin; 2013 Secession, Vienna; 2012 Galerie Krobath, Berlin; 2010 4th Beijing International Art Biennial; 2009 austrian cultural forum, New York; Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin; 2008 Rencontres Internationales, Centre Pompidou, Paris; Genia Schreiber University Art Gallery, Tel Aviv; 2006 RCM Museum Nanjing; 2005 Künstlerhaus, Vienna; 2004 Macba, Barcelona, with Florian Pumhösl.