Klara Lidén, Ohyra, 2007
Klara Lidén
Ohyra

Klara Lidén’s (*1979, Sweden) works are multidisciplinary. She uses video, installations and photography to involve the spectator in a subtle reflection on the connection between body and space. Thanks to her architectural training, she has a feeling for the ability to transform public and private spaces through the presence of the body and different mimes and movements. Starting from everyday situations and places, new stages of interaction are created that transform the conventions of bodily re-presentation. In a playful, provocative, rebellious and almost actionist manner, Lidén appropriates these spaces and modifies them, thereby rejecting the codes of behaviour that are commonly associated with them.

In a narrow kitchen, packed with piled-up objects, the artist is wearing a boxer’s protective helmet with a cigarette in her hand, washing the dishes unwillingly. She suddenly addresses the camera, adopting a stereotypical mime and bemoaning her situation, hitting herself on the head and body. A philosophical question emerges from the chaos and desperation. The private space and the vulnerability that is associated with her in the work is absorbed by the camera and exposed to the outside gaze.

Courtesy Klara Lidén & Galerie Neu, Berlin

Document media
Video, b&w, sound, 45:00 min

Issue date
2007

Tags
aggression, destruction, housework/carework, private/public