Jonathan Meese "War 'Saint Just (First Flash)"' at Gallery Bortolami

James Kalm has been observing the painting of Jonathan Meese for several years now, and was always curious as to his prestigious position in the current European art scene. Informed by German friends that the paintings were a mere part of this artist's prolific practice, Kalm was eager to experience some of the other aspects of his production. "War 'Saint Just (First Flash)'" at Gallery Bortolami is a major performance piece, with stage set, and props. Having witnessed over an hour and a half of this brutal theatrical piece, your reporter captures not only the artist in his "soldier for the Dictator of Kunst" persona, but nativist hecklers and other unforeseen happenings. Viewers are also given glances at some recent paintings and sculptures by Meesse.

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• Kalm
• Jonathan
• Meese
• Gallery
• Bortolami
• painting
• drawing
• sculpture
• conceptual
• performance
• art
• opening
• German
• Neo-Expressionism
• Chelsea
• New
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• Artist

[sbachem]

as a german artist i find the performances of jonathan truly painful. they nudge up too closely to our recent past but only in sound and gesture, of course.

so there's the dilemma that leaves me cringing as do the 'lederhosen' at the start of your film...

suffice it to say that i always look forward to your videos, dear james

[jameskalm]

@sbachem Sorry for the discomfort. Perhaps that's a symptom  of the resonance of the work.

[KennyReddwooddforest]

Hello James, Thank you for this update on Meese. Is Meese angry? Why does he build up saliva in the corners of his mouth? Who are those other people who came in naked and with trumpet? Why is Meese not communicating with others? I understand Meese's philosophy yet I don't understand why he is so angry and yet not interacting with the audience. When I am angry I interact with others. I want a dialogue, I want people to voice their views and explain why they view things that way.

[artrant]

somebody give the guy a hug or something

[tubexplorin]

fuckin madness

the paintings actually made me want to throw up. so that's a good attribute i thunk. fuckin nutcase walking around freely while homeland security is busy deporting innocent ows protesters ~

[eenkjet]

if he took his work as seriously as he 'takes himself" he might have a some decent pieces to comment upon.

[cpkelley]

Couldn't make out everything he was saying. Was it another Art vs. Commerce rant? 

[sbachem]

@jameskalm resonance, yes that's the right word.

in contrast to sight, sound occupies another perception level, its

immediate and unfiltered. so this 'madness' which leaves you americans

amused and quite unruffled or just dismissive, has dangerous echoes

for a german like me and i must say dictatorship of any kind, albeit

art, is something one should really avoid.

ps the shouting hairy back didn't bother me at all...

[Laurawl19]

Was he actually foaming at the mouth? Why yes I believe he was! Perhaps he has rabies!! Still interesting, I always love to see what's going on in the art world in NYC. Thanks James!

[16BSR]

@16BSR - loren munk i ment sorry

[16BSR]

no thanks kate :-( hey James how about more painting shows!! how about a loren junk studio visit