Marx

A fixed camera shot of the Karl Marx Monument in Chemnitz, filmed over the course of one day: For his film, Olaf Nicolai chose a single frame that shows only part of the colossal face. The 24-hour close-up transforms the political icon into a landscape that is subject to constant change caused by the surrounding light conditions. The noise of traffic or passers-by and the advancing clock of the carillon from the nearby city hall tower can be heard. With Marx, artist Olaf Nicolai asks about the course of time, about its measurement and meaning in physical and philosophical terms.

Marx was shot in 2020 during the autumnal equinox when day and night are the same length. Exactly one year later, it is being screened at the equinox in different locations. The images travel around the globe and can each be seen in different time zones – from Guangzhou to Jerusalem, Tangier and Berlin, to Montevideo and Los Angeles.

In cooperation with Haus der Kunst. Produced as part of the project “Gegenwarten I Presences 2020”, organized by the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz.

The worldwide 24-hour premiere is made possible by the support of Haus der Kunst, Munich; Galerie EIGEN + ART Leipzig/Berlin; Knust Kunz Gallery Editions; Stiftung Federkiel & Christian Jacobs; Federal Cultural Foundation and Stadt Chemnitz.