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SUPERFLEX
Modern Times Forever
Founded in 1993 by Jakob Fenger, Rasmus Nielsen, and Bjørnstjerne Christiansen, the Danish collective SUPERFLEX has been realizing projects that range from artworks to internet TV channels, from free stores to platforms for the production of energy resources. The artists refer to these projects as “tools,” conceived to change the current economic methods of production and to create alternative economies. Some of their previous tools include an alternative production method for power generation (Supergas, 1997), an internet TV channel (Superchannel, 1999), and also fairtrade and license-free products (Guarana Power, 2003).
For the High Line, SUPERFLEX presents Modern Times Forever, a video consisting of 240 hours where we witness the slow decay and entropic destruction of a building as imagined over thousands of years. Currently located in the heart of Helsinki, the Stora Enso building was designed by Alvar Alto in 1962, and has become a well-known modernist landmark, both loved and hated as a symbol of capitalist power. Using digital animation, SUPERFLEX creates a desolating portrait of an architectural symbol as it is imagined decaying over centuries, commenting on the future of capitalism and climate change.
Photos by Austin Kennedy.
Artist bio
The Danish collective SUPERFLEX was founded in 1993 by Jakob Fenger (b. 1968), Rasmus Nielsen (b.1969), and Bjørnstjerne Christiansen (b.1969). Select solo exhibitions include Peter Blum Gallery, New York (2012); Musée d’Art Moderne, St-Etienne, France (2012); Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. (2010); Kunsthalle Basel, Switzerland (2008); Redcat, Los Angeles (2004); Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Helsinki (2003). Select biennials and festivals include Gwangiu Biennale, South Korea (2013, 2006); 7th Liverpool Biennial, United Kingdom (2012); Berlin Biennial, Germany (2008, 2001); Prospect 1, New Orleans (2008); 27th Sao Paolo Biennial, Brazil (2006); and the 50th Venice Biennial, Italy (2003).
Support
High Line Art is presented by Friends of the High Line and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. High Line Art is made possible by Donald R. Mullen, Jr. and The Brown Foundation, Inc. of Houston, and Vital Projects Fund, Inc. High Line Art is supported, in part, with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.