Jimmie Durham

Using humour, sensitivity, and precise interventions, the American artist Brad Downey investigates the underlying structure of our cities, our landscapes, our sacred sites, as well as the forgotten peripheries and contested borders. In the process he weaves entirely new narratives with their chaotic patterns, obscuring the separation between art and everyday life. Slapstick Formalism presents a synopsis of his overall multifaceted oeuvre: sculptures, architecture, performances, installations, films, drawings, collages, and activism, each of which is inspired by the objects and activities of daily life.

American-born artist, performer, poet, essayist and activist Jimmie Durham (born 1940) is one of the most influential voices of the contemporary art world, reflecting on encounters between the human being, technology and nature from different cultural perspectives.With an oeuvre spanning sculpture, drawing, collage, printmaking, painting, photography, video, performance and poetry, Durham became internationally famous in the 1980s for his sculptures made from materials such as wood, stone and the bones and skulls of animals, incorporating Native American elements into contemporary art. This monograph, conceived in close collaboration with the artist, features a text by Durham, with contributions by curator and art historian of the Cree Indians Heritage Richard W. Hill, and Migros Museum Director Heike Munder.