Paweł Althamer “Wspólna sprawa / Common Task” :: 4 June 2009, Brussels

(2009 06 06 23:21)

“Wspólna sprawa / Common Task” is a series of documented social activities in a sci-fi film formula. The project took place in Brussels on 4 June to mark out the 20th anniversary of regained freedom and the fall of communism in Central Europe.

In the “Wspólna sprawa / Common Task” project Paweł Althamer tests ways of perceiving reality as well as interpersonal communication. Participants of the activity, who are the artist's neighbours , appear in different locations in unusual gold costumes. The series of actions aims to cross mental barriers and physical boundaries. The participants meet in everyday reality, but also set off on journeys bringing new possibilities and unusual experiences. “Wspólna sprawa / Common Task” is a project of meetings and integration of different social groups, people whose everyday realities do not interpenetrate, who are often excluded from social and cultural rituals.

The project participants arrived in Brussels on 4 June on a LOT Polish Airlines golden plane designed by the artist. Their first stop was the Expo 58 area. The model of an atom was their starting point for a visit to the European Parliament and meetings with the city's residents.