Helmut Rainer understands the artistic utilization of the video medium as the utilization of inter-textual electronic light, a light that can just the same be designated a movable image (screen) as well as a light that extends beyond the monitor to the description of the space and the object as the layout and communications element.

The use of images of an ? as the title of the work already announces ? electronic (monocular/stud) eye, refers to the active relationship between light/image and the observer, which the French philosopher and art critic Georges Didi-Huberman summarizes as follows: "What we see is looking at us." Didi-Huberman speaks in this context about an open system ? not the image as a decoded structure a la Panofksy is a satisfactory solution, but rather it is necessary to accept the interplay between being seen and escaping because the artistic work is present and unattainable at the same time. In Rainer?s E. Zyklop 2 (E. Cyclops 2), hardware, as well as software of the object, is obviously oriented to artistic observation that is tailored to an open system of communication: The object has eyes, it looks at us.

E. Cyclops (the abbreviation E. stands for electronic here) reveals to the observer the greatness of an average homo sapien, more precisely said in the greatness of the artist himself. An LCD monitor placed at eye level is defined by two three-dimensional boundaries ? that restrict him ? as a body with a front side and a backside. Four screw clamps maintain the borders and, at the same time, have the effect of the four legs of the object. The images that Rainer transmits upon the LCD monitor extend beyond its use as an electronic screen. The pre-produced tapes are considered to be images of an imaginary retina. Thus, in this case, it is not a matter of images, but rather codes from models and movements, light-inherent phenomena such as modulation, reflection and shadows are the contents that create the dynamic and immaterial images in Rainer?s tapes ? through optical spots and video lights upon rotating bodies.
(Suess / translation: www.dieuebersetzer.de)

Exhibitions

Helmut Rainer, 1990

Blau-Gelbe Galerie, NÖ Landesgalerie, Wien, Austria

Specifications

10sec no sound color PAL

Technical protocol

Animation Amiga 500; Genlock, copied upon U-Matic Lowband, analog editor system
U-Matic Lowband (post-production); U-Matic Lowband (Master).

A channel sculpture: Steel, sprayed with anthracite, integrated LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), 4 metal screw clamps, a player (VHS), load capacity 40 cm x 38 cm x 150cm.

Production

Helmut Rainer

Edition

Sammlung des Niederösterreichischen Landesmuseums, St. Pölten

Copyright

Helmut Rainer

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