New publication by Thomas Hirschhorn
May 10, 2019
Remai Modern invited Thomas Hirschhorn to create a Critical Workshop for its inaugural exhibition in early 2018, Field Guide, co-curated by Gregory Burke and Sandra Guimarães. In WHAT CAN I LEARN FROM YOU, WHAT CAN YOU LEARN FROM ME. (CRITICAL WORKSHOP) Hirschhorn transformed the free, entrance-level gallery of the new museum into a workshop space for four weeks. Hirschhorn was present each day to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, skills and stories between local residents and museum visitors.
Prior to the Workshop, Hirschhorn met with individuals and around 40 groups and organizations in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, conducting what he calls “Fieldwork.” This involved seeking out potential “Teachers” and members of the “Non-Exclusive Audience,” knowing that these roles can be reversed. He often conducted multiple visits with the groups, which included community centres, service agencies, and advocacy, cultural and educational groups.
This publication, also called WHAT CAN I LEARN FROM YOU, WHAT CAN YOU LEARN FROM ME. (CRITICAL WORKSHOP), documents Hirschhorn’s 27-day Workshop, collecting research materials, documents and over 1,400 photographs (mostly taken with phone cameras). This chronological document captures the complexity, energy and dynamic unfolding of Hirschhorn’s first “Presence and Production” work in Canada. During that time, more than 400 people took the opportunity to teach, hitting on topics as wide-ranging as origami to the residential school experience.
Text contributions to the publication include a forward by Gregory Burke, an extended conversation between Thomas Hirschhorn and Sandra Guimarães, texts by the artist and participant responses.
The publication is available online here.
