More Than a Monologue
GERMAN ARTIST JULIAN ROSEFELDT MAKES HIS DEBUT IN JAKARTA THROUGH THE “MANIFESTO” EXHIBITION AT MUSEUM MACAN
Does the name Julian Rosefeldt ring any bell for you? Well, you might have at least watched some clips and trailer of his 13-channel film installation called “Manifesto,” which played by Cate Blanchett, whether in Youtube, Facebook or Instagram at some time.
To begin with, Rosefeldt’s “Manifesto” pays homage to the moving tradition and literary beauty of artist manifestos, ultimately questioning the role of the artist in society today. He edited and reassembled thirteen collages of artists’ manifestos—which is based on the writings of Futurists, Dadaists, Fluxus artists, Suprematists, Situationists, Dogme 95 and other artist groups, as well as the musings of individual artists, architects, dancers and filmmakers from the likes of André Breton, Claes Oldenburg, Jim Jarmusch, Kazimir Malevich, Sol LeWitt, Sturtevant, Yvonne Rainer, and other influencers—and then somehow magically refashions them into 13 monologues, all of them performed by Blanchett.
Yes, you read that right. The Australian actress Cate Blanchett performed this 'manifesto of manifestos' as a contemporary call to action not only in 13 wildly different characters, but also in 13 different settings. Each character delivers one famous "manifesto," which becomes the focal point.
But what is even more beautiful than how she transformed into 13 personas is how she delivered Rosefeldt’s concept in manifesto into a believable monologues. Whether she performed as a teacher, a puppeteer, a factory worker, a newsreader, and even a homeless man, she successfully imbues new dramatic life into both famous, intimidating and lesser-known words in unexpected contexts.
Overall, it’s safe to say that this particular piece of art from Rosefeldt is thought provoking. And on top of that, it also reveals that these manifestos not only express the wish to change the world through art, but also reflect the voice of a generation.
So, before you reach your phone to take some photos at the exhibition area for your social media, it will definitely be worth your while to take in the brilliance of Cate Blanchett as well as the essence that is Julian Rosefeldt. The exhibition is now open at Museum Macan from February 28th and until May 31st 2020.