Siekmann & Creischer are showing the installation In the Stomach of the Predator as part of the Bergen Assembly triennial. The triennial is taking place in several locations all around Bergen, all renamed as fictitious ‘research institutes’. The installation is located in the Institute of Perpetual Accumulation, and consists of twelve prints on canvas, that all can be moved as the viewer pleases.
Andreas Siekmann & Alice Creischer, In the Stomach of the Predator, 2012-201. Installation view. Photo: Monica Holmen
Can you tell us about the project?
We are exhibiting 12 images about the history of seed monopolization. The starting point is the inauguration of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault as an example of what is called ‘philanthropy-capitalism’ in the critical economical discussions. The seed vault claims to store as much agro crops of the world as possible, in an effort to save them from disasters such as civil wars or climate change etc. The vault is financed by corporations like Syngenta or Pioneer, and organizations like Gates or Rockefeller Foundation, which for decdes have been busy monopolizing agro crops.
The images, taking form as pictograms, tell about the historical principle of this monopolization.
From what I understand, generally speaking your work are concerned with institutional and economical critique? How do this manifest in your projects?
We are mostly engaged in economic critique, and this manifests in the projects in telling the stories and the facts of the subject.
Andreas Siekmann & Alice Creischer, In the Stomach of the Predator, detail. Photo: Monica Holmen
How would you describe your work process from idea to work, as a duo?
We are not a duo all the time. We choose our way of working, whether it’s together or separate, regarding the time, the issue and our interest.
What are your main influences when creating a work of art?
Research, but also – especially regarding the work of Andreas – the iconographic work of Arntz and Neurath from the 1930s.
Is there an artist, artwork or exhibition in particular that has inspired you?
Arntz & Neurath, Öyvind Fahlström, Alan Sekula, Leon Ferrari, Charlotte Posenske.
Can you name a writer or book, fiction or theory that has inspired your works?
Hubert Fichte, Kurt Schwitters, Werner Bräunig, Sergio Raimondi, John Holloway, Karl Heinz Roth, Detlev Hartmann, Werner Rügemer, Colectivo Situaciones, Nanni Balestrini, Peter Weiss, Vandana Shiva
Andreas Siekmann & Alice Creischer, In the Stomach of the Predator, detail. Photo: Monica Holmen
Why is art important?
This question is too big to answer it in this short way. But of course art is considered important, because the elites in the society need a form of expression of themselves.