The Witness

The Witness (2012) by the Israeli artist Ruti Sela was created specifically for Moments. A History of Performance in 10 Acts. It documents the discussion between the French choreographer Boris Charmatz and his visiting colleagues about the ways in which historical performances can be interpreted today. Further, six of the participating artists are interviewed in the film and address these questions.

“My artistic work turns on the modes of representation of perceptive collaborative works that arise through the merging of documentary forms of expression and fictive interventions. My interest is in challenging modes of expression facilitating the experience of power relations, and to bring these to expression.The invitation to follow the development of “Moments”, and to accompany this development with the camera so as to evolve from it an independent work, provides me with an opportunity to think about the idea of testimony and knowledge/power. My aim is to critically examine the witness’s function, and to adapt the given possibilities – the respective situation in which he is present or which he bears testimony. (...)”

Ruti Sela

rutisela.net

More info on the exhibition website