Canadian artist, publisher and healer AA Bronson translates the legacy of shamanistic traditions into a large-scale communal project, making for more spirituality.
With AA Bronson (CA), Igshaan Adams (ZA), Ryan Brewer (US), Elijah Burgher (US), Nicolaus Chaffin (US), Michael Dudeck (CA), K8 Hardy (US), Matthias Herrmann (AT), Reima Hirvonen (FI), Yeonjune Jung (UK), Mark Jan Krayenhoff van de Leur (CA), Chrysanne Stathacos (US), Scott Treleaven (CA), JX Williams (US)
Grazer and Salzburger Kunstverein have invited AA Bronson (born 1946, Vancouver) to develop a major project at both institutions at the same time. The aim is to rediscover and link alternative, avant-garde art practices – for instance occult or queer spiritualism – in the context of contemporary art.
AA Bronson is often regarded as the godfather of an art practice in which the focus is on the significance of the collective. As a founder (and only surviving) member of the General Idea group ( 1969-1994 ), his art was for a long time dominated by political topics such as gay rights or AIDS. He has always attached great importance to working not only in the collective, but also with artists from a wide range of disciplines. Bronson recently introduced spiritual practice as a key factor into his work. At this show he assumes the role of shaman, working together with young, above all queer artists, thinkers and performers on an extensive performance and representation of his hybrid art practice between spiritualism and communal practices.
Co-produced by steirischer herbst & Grazer Kunstverein