OHO Projects, David Nez
/2
- OHO Projects, David Nez
- 1970
- Thermo-fax, 5 sheets stapled
- 21,2 × 29,7 cm
The term “transcendental conceptualism” may well derive from OHO’s use of esoteric practices, such as meditation and telepathy, in their conceptual works. In 1970, the OHO artists carried out certain telepathy-based projects. In February, David Nez and MIlenko Matanović went to New York, while Marko Pogačnik and Andraž Šalamun remained in Ljubljana. At this time, they realized two projects, both called “International Group Project America-Europe.” In the first, proposed by Pogačnik, the four artists drew a sign in a field at the same moment. In the second, proposed by Matanović, the four simultaneously looked into the sun, dropped a match onto a piece of paper, and marked its position. It would be wrong, however, to assume that the intention in these projects was actually to develop telepathic abilities (indeed, the results show no evidence of this having happened). Rather, we should understand these projects as systematic rituals used to draw the group more closely together, a sort of exercise in group identity. The actual results were not important; the important thing was to practice such rituals as to build up OHO’s collective identity.
Igor Zabel, ‘A Short History of OHO.’ In: “OHO” Exhibition catalog. Moderna galerija Ljubljana. Frankfurt: Revolver, 1994. p. 131.
Igor Zabel, ‘A Short History of OHO.’ In: “OHO” Exhibition catalog. Moderna galerija Ljubljana. Frankfurt: Revolver, 1994. p. 131.