The Biennale de Paris in Reunion
12–16 September 2013
Saint-Denis, Réunion
“How sweet the sound of the established order as it collapses.”
A famous partisan expressed himself in these terms in response to the events of May 1968. Today, however, the language of revolt would seem far too conventional—especially when it comes to taking action—for us to spend much time practising it.
A little over forty years after those events, increasing numbers of people believe that art should breathe life into submission rather than rebellion. Yesterday, a resounding NO accompanied by a thrown stone seemed appropriate. Today, an “inventory of yeses” turns revolutionary logic on its head or makes it bite the dust.
With “My Night at the Police Station,” the Biennale de Paris attempts to take a step towards this transformation: the art of yesterday sought to subvert a supposedly established order; the art of tomorrow will seek to confer dignity upon compliance. To serve! Even if that means doing so against all opposition.
Programme
12 September 2013
5–7 p.m.
Selection of the six people who will be taken into police custody as part of European Heritage Days — By Night.
14 September 2013
6 p.m.
“The Biennale de Paris: You Can Never Trust Institutions Enough!”
Opening address by Alexandre Gurita.
7:30 p.m.
“My Night at the Police Station,” phase 1: induction of the candidates.
7:45 p.m.
“The Police Put on a Show”
9:15 p.m.
“Commando S.A.”
10:45 p.m.
“Philosophy of the Pòlis”
Midnight
“My Night at the Police Station”
Intentions
From the avant-garde to police custody? The keyword is “openness.” First, the aim is to bring together, in an intelligent, creative and innovative way, areas of expertise that rarely, if ever, intersect. Second, it is to rehabilitate the idea that a police station could be regarded as a cornerstone of our heritage, just like any other public or private building, a fine restaurant, a municipal swimming pool or a national theatre. Finally, it is to situate artistic practice within a field of action not yet annexed by the cultural industry, and therefore free of preconceptions.
The guiding spirit of this operation will be that of carnival in its fullest sense: a brief, festive period during which supposedly untouchable values and achievements are temporarily overturned.
As part of European Heritage Days — By Night, the Saint-Denis municipal police station will host and develop a project conceived by the Biennale de Paris entitled “My Night at the Police Station.”
The project will be preceded by a ten-day workshop, during which several operations, conspicuous or discreet, will be carried out.
Initiators and participants: Jean-Baptiste Farkas, Alexandre Gurita, Cédric Mong-Hy and Simon Teroy, together with officers from the Saint-Denis municipal police station in Réunion.
Location: Saint-Denis, Réunion
Date: 14 September 2013, from 6 p.m. to midnight.
Partners
City of Saint-Denis
Institut des hautes études en arts plastiques (Iheap), renamed ENDA in January 2017
Saint-Denis Municipal Police Station
École supérieure d’art de La Réunion
Courants d’art