Bacchanalia
Paul Schurich
BACCHANALIA everything grows_anything goes
Bacchanalia is the outcome of a journey that took me through naturism, anarchy and mythology. When researching the Lobau I mainly focused on what I called my human layer. It fascinated me, how this space allowed its visitors to feel completely free, by unclothing themselves, and how they were willing to do that, in spite of the proximity of the Oil Harbor and its massive industrial structures. My theory was, that this is made possible by nature, because rows of trees shield the opposites from one another. And here I became really interested. For the critical projection, I always knew that I wanted to focus on the human interaction with the space, and this gave me an idea how to do it.
The art project assigned to me was “Tree University” by Amy Francheschini. It took place near Walden Pond, where Henry David Thoreau lived and worked. Thoreau , an admirer of Humboldt, always emphasised modesty, and the importance of a connection with nature. Another important man on our journey to Bacchanalia was also familiar with the writings by Thoreau and Humboldt: Friedrich Nietzsche. Although I could hardly be further away from being an Expert on Nietzsche I know that he elaborated the topic of the Apollonian and Dionysian. It is a philosophical concept, aimed to describe two opposing characteristics of human beings by making use of the attributions to the greek gods. While order, structure and form, are attributed to Apollo, Dionysos, god of wine and theatre becomes the patron of chaos, lust, and sexuality. Needless to say, the roman equivalent of Dionysos is Bacchus. Therefore he is our patron of Bacchanalia.
I liked the wild and passionate side of this Lobau-nudism and the hint of anarchy that came with it. It made me think of the Bacchanalia. The Bacchanalia could be understood as an ecstatic cult of spring and fertility. Basically, they were excessive and sexual rituals, fuelled by alcohol and hallucinogenic substances, that took place in nature. They actually happened in Rome, in the second century before Christ.
Of course I have to mention, that I did not come up with this all by myself. The connection between nudity and nature is everywhere, from Adam and Eve, to countless antique and modern artistic adaptions. Some are referenced in my collage booklet that I suggest you to look at.
I think it is important, that strong imagery, like the pornographic scenes from my digital collages, is not used without a reason, or the only reason being, that it is eye- catching and provocative. Because I do not intend to provoke. I simply think, there is
nothing wrong with it, showing the beauty of the interplay between nature, nudity and sexuality.
When looking at the new site in Aspern I encountered a weird large unused field in its middle, that is completely fenced off. I noticed however, that parts of the fences are completely overgrown, almost consumed, by nature. From here I got the idea for the fences as the heart of my Bacchanalia project. With Antje I discussed Zwi-de-Mu a Viennese park, that appears pretty on the first impression, but between its picturesque trees, people are sunbathing, kissing or consuming drugs, while being hidden, but at the same time, not hidden. I also mentioned a public park in Rome, near Galleria Borghese, where homosexual couples meet in secret.
This is what I want Bacchanalia to be: a public space, who’s visitors can be and feel completely free, and through that, experience a strong connection with nature. I propose to plant trees and bring a forest to the large field in the Aspern site, that opens up in its middle, giving way to the metal fences, in organic shapes and different sizes, that will be completely overgrown. They should create spaces of intimacy, togetherness, the feeling of being undisturbed, relaxation, freedom and love.
LIVE IN EACH SEASON, AS IT PASSES, BREATHE THE AIR, DRINK THE DRINK, TASTE THE FRUIT AND REDESIGN YOURSELF TO THE INFLUENCE OF EARTH _Henry David Thoreau
