Works

Backwards

Backwards 6

Site-specific work; initial version exhibited 2018 at the Middelheim Museum, Antwerp

William Forsythe gained international recognition as artistic director of the Frankfurt Ballet from 1984-2004, continuing his work as a choreographer until 2015 with the Forsythe Company. He is considered to be one of the most creative innovators in contemporary ballet. Since the 1990’s Forsythe has designed installations, which he calls “choreographic objects”, and which have been exhibited in leading museums around the world. In 2010 he was awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale for his life’s work. For Blickachsen 12, Forsythe has created two site-specific installations, early versions of which were exhibited in 2018 in the Middelheim Museum in Antwerp. These pieces turn the visitor into an actor, inducing a heightened physical self-awareness. For “Backwards”, Forsythe engraved an instruction onto the backrest of a recreated Bad Homburg park bench with the words: “Walk nineteen steps away from the bench. With your eyes closed, walk backwards and sit down.” For the second work, “Debut”, the stonework on the ground under the entrance gate to the Schlosspark has been replaced by stones of the same material bearing the words “Walk in like you mean it”: visitors are called upon to boldly step in – as onto a stage.

Year2019
TypeBad Homburg park bench with lettering
Dimensions92 x 205 x 64 cm
Shown atBlickachsen 12, Bad Homburg
Bad Homburg

Works by William Forsythe

Blickachsen 12