Mondspiel

BACKGROUND: This work is based on research into the Bauhaus diaspora. It explores how contemporary artists might re-imagine their relationship to the legendary school, specifically the works of Gertrude Herzger-Seligmann and Ludwig Hirschfeld-Mack, along with Paul Keel and others. The study led to the creative work Mondspiel, which draws on collaborative efforts in sculpture, performance, video and installation, to present a new engagement with Bauhaus. CONTRIBUTION: Mondspiel was produced in collaboration with artist Justene Williams. The first-floor gallery displayed rare Bauhaus archival material from two former Bauhaus students exiled to Australia, Gertrude Herzger-Seligmann and Ludwig Hirschfeld-Mack. In the more historical section of the upstairs gallery, the exhibition comprised a live thistle garden in relation to artist Paul Klee’s painting ‘Thistle’. Performance on the opening night, video and sculpture created a contemporary interpretation or conversation with the dynamic of art education begun by the Bauhaus 100 years ago. The project also included a lantern parade led by art students through the centre of Melbourne, described by Mikala Dwyer as ‘our attempt at reanimating the memory ghost of the actual dynamic of education’. The lanterns were made during a week-long workshop that began each day with Johannes Itten’s Mazdaznan exercises. It brought together students the Victorian College of the Arts, RMIT and Griffith University. The entire project contributed innovative expressions of the legacy of Bauhaus—both for contemporary artists and for art education—highlighting its visionary, collectivist ideals and its radical practices. SIGNIFICANCE: Mondspiel received a $30,000 Australia council grant. It was included in the exhibition ‘Bauhaus Now!' curated by Ann Stephen. Buxton Contemporary is a prestigious art museum with high national standing. The exhibition was extremely well received, reviewed and had record attendances.