Art + Spirituality + Globalism - Christian Jankowski

http://www.lissongallery.com/#/artists/christian-jankowski/video/



Christian Jankowski is a contemporary German artist who explores themes of communication, the varied forms of spritiuality and the internal psyche.

His work depicted above (a still from the video, linked), Telemistica, 1999 was exhibited in the 1999 Venice Bienale, in addtion to being televised in what would have to be real-time, given the call-in nature of the show. The video runs for approximately 5 minutes, in which we are exposed to The Opening scenes of Barbara Ferugljo's "L'Altra Modo di Esistere" (The Other Way to Exist), a tarot reading / fortune telling program on Italian television. Her first call is from Jankowski, having previously organised the call in advance. The artist introduces himself and asks if he will receive the support he needs to be able to complete his work for the Biennale in 2 weeks time. Ferugljo reads his cards and advises him that he will be eventually successful. While the work is not necessarily mocking the nature of clairvoyancy, the kitch commericalisation of the practice is questioned by the artist. The practice of the clairvoyant was once associated with shamanism and ancient Hindu prcactices; a private interaction between the clairvoyant and his /her client. Jankowski's Telemistica comments upon the exploitation of this once sprititual process achieved via globalisation and mass media.

The Holy Artwork, 2001 by Jankowski explores the exploitation of spirituality via the vehicle of mass media within a globalised culture. Spanning roughly 15 minutes of airtime, the work is filmed on a hand held video recorder by Jankowski in which televangilist Pastor Peter Spencer preaches the sacred nature of art. Jankowski moves up onto the stage during his sermon and collapses at Spencer's feet, all whilst still filming. The artist plays upon the behaviour of fundamental evangelical Christians who claim to be overtaken with the spirit of God. Heartney claims the work is "absurd" - working both against and in harmony with Christian spirituality.

Frustratingly, I couldn't find this video online, so I can't link it. (If anyone else has seen it, or knows how to access it, do tell me, I'm realy curious to see it).