#1 [May 2005]

John Bock – Skipholt

The German performance artist, sculptor and video artist had spent two weeks in Iceland to produce his new film. John Bock, whose three dimensional works have often served as props for his performances, creates entire universes using a wildly eclectic range of materials, described in multiple languages. He performs a balancing act between scientific seriousness, madness and slapstick. In his new film he is working with the ideals of the former times of the explorers and the the fear of shipwrecking.
The film “Skipholt” was produced for the Reykjavík Arts Festival 2005 and is the main part of the environment he created at Kling & Bang gallerí.

14.05. – 26.06.05
Laugavegur 23
101 Reykjavík

You recently have spent two weeks in Reykjavík. Why Iceland?

I was invited by the Reykjavík Arts Festival and I decided to make a film. But besides that: the landscape is perfect for an adventure film. "In the long run, we're all dead." (as the Economist John Maynard Keynes stated) … and I die at the end. That is enough for a good film.

Iceland as land of the natural forces, as land of nordic myths and mysticism – was that of any interest for you?

I explicitly factored out the myth of the elfs. I was more interested in landscape and how to operate with instruments in landscape. The film tends to be basic without any dramatical elements.

What is the meaning of the title and what is the film about?

The title is “Schafshügel” (which means “sheephill” in English or “Skipholt” in Icelandic). In fact this is the name of the street where I was staying during the ten days in april. The story of “Schafshügel” is very simple: I set off ... with the aid of certain objects I roam through ICEland ... an die at the end. I should better say: I get lost in an Icestorm, which does not automatically mean to die. But to face up the facts of DEADWHITE, that was I what I wanted.

Fax-Interview with John Bock and Christian Schoen in April/May 2005.