Der längste Tag – 16-stündige Nonstop-Performance von Sonnenaufgang (05.28 Uhr) bis Sonnenuntergang (21.15 Uhr)
published in MIND THE GAP, Kunsthof Zürich, Materialien und Dokumente (material and documents), 1993 — 2013, by Christoph Schenker and Andrea Portmann, volume 11 of the publication series of Instituts für Gegenwartskundst, Züricher Hochschule der Künste ZHdK, edition fink
text about «DER LÄNGSTE TAG | THE LONGEST DAY» with images
Between sunrise and sunset a wide spectrum of tansdiciplinary artistic internventions by international as well young and not yet known performance artists is taking place. The frame-work: All have one hour for preparation, action and cleaning the space. From this conceptual disposition conclude during the day different ways of dealing with time, between the singular performances a variety of relationships can be experienced. In the semi-public space of Kunsthof.
about the publication
Zurich is not one of those cities that are characterised by prominent vacant lots. But one of them – right in the middle of the city centre – has been able to hold its own for over twenty years: The Kunsthof Zurich. The publication “MIND THE GAP” pays tribute to this open-air exhibition platform in a comprehensive review.
From the very beginning, the Kunsthof Zürich was frequented by artists from Switzerland and abroad who had either already established themselves on the international art scene or were still at the beginning of their careers. The broad spectrum of the exhibiting artists as well as the recurring appropriation and rewriting of the location are what make the Kunsthof so attractive. The publication focuses on the rich archival material that has accumulated over the years. The handwritten notes, exhibition plans, invitation cards, photographs of the works of art and copies of exhibition texts authentically bring to light an aesthetic quality that transports the spirit of the times and demonstrates the diversity of the concepts. From the documents, an exhibition site can be experienced that enabled artistic experimentation and triggered a stimulating discourse on art in public spheres.
The publication brings together all the artistic projects that have been realized in the Kunsthof over a period of twenty years. Each project is presented on one page, followed by a brief description of the selected archive material. The chronological order and a glossary of names in the appendix make it possible to browse by artist. In a detailed essay, Christoph Schenker – the long-standing curator and initiator of the project – provides an insight into the history and concept of the Kunsthof. Daniel Kurjaković highlights individual events and aspects as well as their transformative potential in his explanations along key terms.
In addition to the printed publication, a micro-website offers insight into supplementary audio and video material from the archive.