With his performative installation, Viennese artist Matthias Mollner directly reflects on the restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic, even though the idea for this project originated before it began.
The forced retreat of individuals into their private spheres during the spring months gives the work a new, topical relevance. At its centre is the installation of a large double bed, atypical for public space, which reverses the boundaries between privacy and public life. For one week, the artist invites passers-by to join him on the bed for a period of time of their choosing and engage in conversation with him. He himself only leaves the bed to wash and use the toilet.
A surveillance camera mounted above the bed records all activities taking place in it and transmits them in real time to the monitor. After a week, Mollner leaves his camp and hands it over to the public for free use.
Matthias Mollner
* 1984, Gmünd
