Bleeding for Art – Cyprien Gaillard @ KW.

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As soon as the gallery ward asked me to sign the “We are not responsible for any injuries caused” release form, something told me things could potentially get out of control. Its been over a month since hot French artist Cyprien Gaillard unleashed “Recovery of Discovery”  — 72, 000 bottles of Efes beer imported directly from Turkey and stacked into a pyramid inviting visitors to climb atop, have a drink, or few, and ponder the symbolic re-enactment of colonisation. Just as German archeologist Carl Humann imported the Pergamon Altar from Turkey in 1886, in 2011 Gaillard imports Turkish beer. It is debatable whether the same market negotiations for aquisitions still apply, yet we do know that the project, a.k.a 3,000 cartons of beer, was publicly funded by the German state.

In an interview with Artstars’ very brilliant Nadja Sayej, Gaillard happily informs of his socialist gesture – returning the taxes back to the people. Can there be a better way to keep them happy? Apparently not. As technical assistant, Emiliano, informed me, the general public cannot get enough of the work. They keep coming back – the more dedicated ones daily. The space gets especially busy on Thursday evenings, when the opening hours are extended until 21:00. Considering the normal entrance fee of 6eu, if you can manage more than 8 bottles a day, then well, its a bargain. Of course the unemployed, who get free entry with the relevant paperwork and the reduced rate student categories can be a bit of a nuisance.

Apart from the oceans of rubbish and broken glass, the artwork is still going strong. Not even half the supply has been drunk. Although generally happy to make sure the work is safe,  the KW assistants’ work is not the easiest with this particular piece. Apart from having to act at times as both policemen and strict elementary school teachers with some disruptive members of the community who come less for the love of art and more for booze and anarchy, they are responsible for the lives of all those who decide to climb the 72 000 glass bottles.

Up until now,  things have ran smooth. I was first patient. After having scored a piece of broken glass into my foot, Emiliano picked me up and like a professional gallery assistant / knight in shining armour carried me to the storage  room where a temporary first aid table was set up. The surgical scissors and rolls of bandage on it however looked quite intimidating. Although not the best tools to deal with a little piece of glass, more suited for, say, a chopped off finger, their presence definitely sharpened the art experience.

Recovery of Discovery runs until 22nd May. 19:00. What is to happen with the unfinished beer is still to be decided, yet there is still plenty for all.        Remember, descend responsibly. And wear closed shoes.

Highly recommended: ArtStars* 54 – Cyprien Gaillard. Interview by Nadja Sayej.