THE SCHOOL OF HOPE

(the show must go on) 
A CRUCIFIXION BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT (2005)

1-Channel Video installation
4:3 PAL DVD
12 mins loop

(the show must go on) combines the visuals of a Rembrandt-like crucifixion scene with the atmospheric sound of a live-to-air boxing fight to produce a provoking and contemporary video-work about religion, media and hope. The crucifixion is divided into three rounds and two breaks. The audience is a multi-lingual cacophony of German, Russian and Turkish. We hear the voice of a British commentator, reporting the event. Using typical boxing terms, he describes the fight of ‘The Contender’ for TV broadcast. During the fight, the situation develops into a nightmare for both The Contender and The Commentator. But the show must go on.

CAST

The Contender: André Scioblowski
The Commentator: Steve Ellery

EXHIBITIONS

2011
  • MADATAC 03, Matador & Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid (Spain)
  • V-Kunst Frankfurt, Galerien Fahrgasse, Frankfurt (Germany)
  • What happened to God?, Halle 14, Leipzig (Germany)
2010
  • Cologne OFF International Video Art Festival, Cologne (Germany) on tour in India at: Dehli International Arts Festival, Alliance Francaise,  and Carnival of e-Creativity, Sattal Estate, Bhimal
2008
  • open-PLAYER, NEXT ART CHICAGO (USA)
2005
  • Go for Gold, Margaret Lawrence Galleries, Melbourne  (Australia) – catalogue with essays by Bec Dean, ACP Sydney and Martin Eder, Berlin

  • Yeah, I can laugh at the construct, the commentary, the ringing of the bell at the end of each round, but momentarily this gives way to something else transcending bloodlust or schadenfreude. I think its called empathy.

    Bec Dean, Curator, ACP Sydney (Australia)

  • If you do one thing, go and watch Boxing Jesus. Religious art reinvented as a boxing hall of fame.

    The Age (Australia)

  • This exhibition is a knockout.

    Gus Mercurio, Actor, TV Announcer and President of the Australian National Boxing Federation

  • Jesus Todeskampf als Boxkampf: Beeindruckende Videoarbeit zum Thema Religion, Medien und Hoffnung.

    Alain Bieber (Germany)

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