Very much in line with his previous work, Robert’s new film is a series of collages inspired by 1970s conceptual Dutch artist, Bas Jan Ader.
Bas Jan Ader disappeared at sea over 30 years ago. My new film acts as an intervention on his filmed performances. In five minutes I attempt to locate myself within his vocabulary, re-enacting gestures that I identify with, whether these gestures come from record covers, such as David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ or ‘The Idiot’ by Iggy Pop or appropriations and transformations of B J Ader’s own work. My intention is to underline his importance as an influential figure in my work.
Jimmy Robert
About the artist
Jimmy Robert was born 1975, France, and lives and works in Amsterdam. He studied at Goldsmiths College in London and is currently at the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam. He has shown work at The Photographers’ Gallery, Cubbitt, French Institute and Architecture Association. Jimmy Robert makes super8 films in which performativity – restaged, minimal, everyday actions – is shown to be exotic and tender at the same time. In his performances, social commentary is engaged with lyrical expression. He was commissioned by Autograph in London to produce his 2002 film Brown Leatherette and recently peformed a new work, 6 Things We Couldn’t Do, But Can Do Now (2004) with Ian White for Art Now at Tate Britain.