Sabina Lang and Daniel Baumann (known collectively as L/B) spent three months in residency at Galerie Urs Meile in Beijing. The resulting exhibition, “I’m Real” is a response to the space and the city.
L/B, Flash #2, 2009.
“Flash #2” is composed of fifty-nine custom barber poles. The internally lighted cylinders spin within an organically shaped mirror backdrop. Once the viewer enters the installation they are immersed in an optical sensation that muddles the equilibrium.
The barber’s pole dates back to medieval times and is associated with the practice of bloodletting. Today in China, the poles are grouped together in front of salons. During the day they act as the sight common to haircuts. After dark they attract a different customer entirely with soft chants of “massage” from the prostitutes that work the night shift. L/B has reacted to the blatant call of illegal activity.
L/B, Flash #2, 2009.
Also on view underfoot at the gallery is “Beautiful Carpet #1”. Visitors are welcome to walk the paths set out in this piece with a reminder that art needn’t be restrained to pictures on walls.
L/B, Beautiful Carpet #1, 2009.
L/B
I’m Real
9 May – 12 July 2009
Galerie Urs Meile
Beijing
