Hermann Nitsch 60 Painting Action at MIKE WEISS GALLERY

As a founding member of the Viennese Actionists, Hermann Nitsch took the action out of action painting and put his body into it. Taking Harold Rosenberg's contention that the canvas was no longer just a place to create an image but rather an arena where the recording of an "event" happened, the Actionists influenced generations of European artists. Nitsch attracted scores of collaborators who would join with him in his vast festivals/performances, that sought to reintroduce sacred ceremonies into modern art. With "60 Painting Action" Nitsch returns to New York and closes the circle with a ritualized approach to painting.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• James
• Kalm
• Hermann
• Nitsch
• Mike
• Weiss
• Gallery
• painting
• drawing
• sculpture
• Abstract
• Expressionism
• Viennese
• Actionist
• Modernism
• German
• Austrian
• Chelsea
• art
• opening

[jahuyser]

Thanks JK. A quick question in reference to the concept of canvas as record. Why is the "action" always quick and explosive? Is there such a thing as an event that could be slower, more considered? Could a straight line be an event worth recording? The word "action" doesn't necessarily imply a specific type of application or mark. Not to say that the energy in this work isn't thrilling but it does feel sort of one note, one dimensional and in no way an expansion of Pollack's vision.

[jameskalmroughcut]

@jahuyser I think you bring up good points. In this case the action (or action painting) is more about appealing to the audience. Of course an artist could take three days to make a four inch line but how many people are going want to sit still and watch that?

[mathewf40]

@nodus777 I think that is a very true point about many of the popular forms of art. Although I think today the people with skill in representing reality are creating art for people to hang on their bedroom walls; this art has a much different goal.

[nodus777]

Witnessing skill being divorced from the creative process is fascinating. Concept and spectacle is the way forward. Tallent, ability and skill are dead.... eaten by elite maggots and drown in celebrity slurry.

[boraboo]

Куча ебаньтеев!

ваше мазьня - полное говно - стыдно должно быть Херман

Хер вам по всей роже долбаёб

[jahuyser]

Point well taken. How disturbingly odd. Obviously this makes the whole gig a performance piece designed to thrill and nothing more. I did get a kick out of watching the assistant nearly aimlessly push the paint around while being directed by Nitsch. That was hilarious. Also, the incident involving the woman with dyed red hair was fun. Those two moments certainly add a quirky value to the document you've created. Thanks JK.

[disCrowe]

hehe, "here comes the Nitsch."

but naaa com'on James the music is´nt fair.