Roger Hiorns

Adapted from the text "Ideals and Rituals" by Xander Karskens: The 'boy and fire' works present unexpected allegories for the aspect of Hiorns' artistic practice that lets the works generate themselves. The objects are activated at irregular intervals by the boys and the small fires. This activation consists of a simple sequence of actions: the boy enters the space, prepares the fire, undresses, puts away his folded clothes, lights the fire and seats himself on the bench, engine or table. He impassively stares until it goes out. Once the fire is extinguished, the boy puts his clothes back on and leaves.