Artist Statement from Assa Bigger on Vimeo.
We don’t think that the big crunch should be seen as a menace, but rather as an opportunity.
It’s one of these times in history – and we have plenty of examples from the past – where it’s possible to really make a difference. And if art is serious about claiming a central role in today’s society and culture, this is the best chance it’s had in ages. The current climate doesn’t represent a threat to the production of art but to the market.
We think it’s time for artists to get over auction houses, galleries, and high-production-value exhibitions and start using our voices again.
“Nothing is original”
Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, sound, music, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery – celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said:
“It’s not where you take things from – it’s where you take them to.”
