Philipp Gasser, Der moderne Mensch

On the occasion of the new millennium, Philipp Gasser created Der moderne Mensch (The Modern Human) in order to address a new image of mankind that was supposed to accompany the change in millennium. In a normally lit exhibition room, a mirror is used to split a projection into two projections, onto both sides of a corner or two opposing walls. The projections show a figure that turns in a circle (Erheischen/Supplication) and one that rocks back and forth (Sexen/Sexing). These sequences resemble American Indian dances to conjure up rain or successful hunting. Here the subject is the 21st century human, who also seems to perform incantatory dances every day.  

(Text: Philipp Gasser) 

Philipp Gasser (*1958) Chur, Switzerland, lives and works in Basel.

1989 – 1992 studies in audiovisual design, with a focus on experimental video, at the School of Design in Basel, since 1995 lecturer on digital media at Basel's Art Institute (HGK FHNW).