Teknikk
Found objects, Maleri, Skulptur
Artist statement
-- Åpent atelier søn 22.sept kl 12-17--
The immersive world Optiz creates in the gallery asks the public to consider objects not as things in themselves but rather as part of a larger philosophy of interaction, play and relationships.
Opitz’s life-giving force imposes upon objects a life that is socially relevant and critical. The artist’s practice is informed by an aesthetic position sensitive to Bourriaud’s Relational Aesthetics. Opitz’s work with glass sculptures creates exciting relational possibilities with a variety of forms, colours and textures found in both manmade materials, as well as objects found in nature, for example, chestnuts and stone. The exhibition proposes an openness to “the possibility of a relational art (an art taking as its theoretical horizon the realm of human interactions and its social context, rather than the assertion of an independent and private symbolic space)” (Bourriaud, 1998). The significance of the title, suggests that the art on display might be seen as part of an action or reaction by the artist where the materials used may not have the ending one would expect. For Opitz, an ending is not an ending that can be determined in advance. Intuition and surprise are two developed tools in Opitz’s sculptural and performative art arsenal. As an artist Opitz often returns to the theme of the commons, harvesting materials here and there, all the while, denying us any common expectation of the very things we all share. For example, a stone in a garden, or a collected chestnut is rejuvenated as a shared object, related to our everyday, but completely foreign in its destiny towards an artistic horizon.
Opitz brings a socially relevant practice to MLAG. In a moment in which independent non-profit artist-run art institutions are fighting for survival in a period of financial instability and increased competition, the artist asks what is it we have in common. What brings us together? Can the power of imagination offer up space for unexpected endings?
Throughout February and March, the artist will use that gallery as a workspace using the tools at the gallery as a commons to be shared. MLAG’s new gallery at Halfdan Kjerulfsgate will be transformed and be dedicated to bringing in friends, family and marginalized communities to interact with and play with the exhibition. An important aspect of Imagined Endings is the artist’s history as an event-maker. Optiz will be working with the gallery kitchen to make food with guests as a gesture towards artist Rikrit Tiravanija's contribution to among other things, the renovation of an interactive soup kitchen in an exhibition space during Aperto 93 at the Venice Biennale. During the exhibition period, MLAG will provide a full programme including a book club, artist talks, a wonton performance dinner, and guided tours. Through shared events,
Besøksadresse
Damsgårdsveien 227
5160 Bergen
Kontakt
Telefon: 91795967
E-postadresse: simopitz@gmail.com
CV
Art projects / Exibithions
5. Nov 2013
Performance
Shaping faces (m. Jan Egil Finne)
Gamle Bergen Kretsfengsel
2013
Installation
Passing By
Gamle Bergen Kretsfengsel
13. oktober 2013
The guiding eye’s glow
Kalfarlien 18
2015
Installation
Takk på svensk (m. Michela Heim)
Kunsthall Anahita, C. Sundsgate 53 (Khib)
2015
Installation/Skulptur
PLAY (m. Michela Heim)
6. Etg C. Sundsgate 53 (Khib)
2016 18. Nov
Sculture
FELT 1 år (la casa por la ventana)
Galleri FELT
2017 24. Sept
Performance
Eroticalities
Galleri Knipsu, Bergen
6. November 2017
Sculpture
Shrine
KODE 2, Bergen
3. Mars 2018
Installation/Curation
Reverie
Rom 8, Vaskerelven, Bergen
2018 15. Sept
Performance
Ornaments (m. Michael Laundry)
Superare Sensibus, Trykkeriet, Bergen
2018 15. Sept
Performance
“+_+ Re-Phaedo (Cepter) (m. Michael Laundry)
Superare Sensibus, Trykkeriet, Bergen
26 Oct 2019
Performance
Mr. Oysterhead Man
Mickey Laundry’s Art Garden, Bergen
20 Oct 2020
Scenography
“Drøymt i Stein” Jon Fosse/ Musikk Gisle Kverndokk
Kulturhuset Banken, Lillehammer. Arranged by Teater Utlandet
01 Mars 2024
Soloutstilling
Imagened Endings
Mlag
Utdanning
2018 - 2019
Årsstudie
Kunsthistorie
Universitetet i Bergen
2013–2016
Bachelor
Fine Arts
Kunsthøyskolen i Bergen
2011-2013
2-årig kunstfagskole
Kunstskolen i Bergen
