18/09/16
Interview: Cyril de Commarque
Cyril de Commarque (b1970) believes in the theory of
progress acceleration: that we can’t change the technological progress that is
going on around us at an exponential rate. But, as a result, changes in society
are no longer democratic, he says: they are decided neither by the politicians,
nor the people, but happen as a result of mobile phones and social media and
who knows what else. “The
only space for freedom we can gain is inside ourselves,” de Commarque
concludes, remaining adamant of the need to dream of a new utopia, despite its
inherent risks.
Having previously worked with architectural projects
and social and political subjects,
including migration and the evolution of political and geographical borders, de
Commarque has spent three years working on Fluxland, converting a 1950s Dutch
grain barge into a 25-metre-long,
interactive artwork, sound piece and space for debate. The name derives from
his interest in borders, but also the Fluxus movement in art, and his belief
that art has a function, to reveal to people the necessity of taking action,
and not becoming the victim of politics. As part of Totally Thames, the boat
will sail up and down the river, attracting audiences, who will hear the battle
cries of revolutions and the speeches both of dictators and of peace, emanating
from the speakers, and then come closer to see themselves reflected in the
mirrored surfaces. This upper part of the barge is constructed out of two
polyhedrons – the symbol of melancholia – and will reflect both the river and
the onlookers, inviting them to look inside, both the vessel and themselves. As
de Commarque says: “You have to go inside of yourself and accept the humility
to think: ‘Am I doing the right thing for a better world?’”
Throughout the month, a series of conferences will be
hosted on board, in association with Art Review. These will feature other
artists, economists, philosophers and a nanotechnologist, all invited to
discuss future utopian projects.
• Fluxland will be on the Thames as part of Totally
Thames festival until 30
September 2016. For visiting times, visit fluxland.co.uk