Charismatic Images
1993
DAVID GARCIA & JAAP DE JONGE
Through the tape Charismatic Images David Garcia and Jaap de Jonge introduce
the first stage in a thought experiment which sets out to develop a “userlanguage”
for the visual art.
This language takes the form of a series of abstract icons.
A number of artist made individual works using these icons as a means
of introspection and communication.
A starting point for discussion and practice.
The icons that are used for the basis of Charismatic Images are deliberately
abstract, so they can be reappropriated by every user.
They are designed for both individual and cooperative use.
The design of the shapes is linked to both artist’s fascination
with power of corporate and political logo’s, particulary abstract
ciphers like the peace symbol or the swastica. In these symbols a whole
world of values and desires is compressed into an abstract form.
Although deliberately nonsymbolic the shapes are a reminiscent of selforganizing
and selfreplicating systems in nature. As a way of introducing their userlanguage
the videotape Charismatic Images explores in fact and fantasy the implications
of the thought experiment.
10 minutes videotape
selfportrait
The alphabeth
Scetch
for the Charismatic Images installation during the exhibition at the Stedelijk
Museum Amsterdam
still from videotape
still
from videotape