Uri Tzaig, "Infinity," 1998, still from video
Spanning 1996 to 2000, Duel is the first retrospective of Tel-Aviv-based artist Uri Tzaig's work in the United States. Tzaig's conceptual works in video, sculpture, photography, and graphic design alter the terms of sports and language while alluding to the desert landscape of the artist's native Israel. Directed toward our often passive acceptance of social, political, and economic mores, Tzaig's artworks subvert prescribed rules and traditions and encourage reconsideration of fixed positions and perceptions.
Duel includes six video pieces, as well as photographs, poster pieces and a game for two to four players. In these works, forms of game play are primarily considered as a way to fracture established structures. Included are video works made from altered soccer and basketball games, as well as two games of Tzaig's own creation. A newer piece originally conceived as a CD-ROM proposes a circular, decentralized viewpoint. By defying the obvious, Tzaig playfully creates powerful and contemplative works that non-didactically address provocative, often political, issues.
Uri Tzaig was born in Kiryat Gat, Israel. He graduated in 1990 from the School of Visual Theatre, Jerusalem where he studied directing and playwriting. His work has been featured in the 1995 Venice Biennale; the 1997 Kwangu Biennial, Korea; and Documenta X, Kassel, among others. His recent solo projects include the video and sound installation Tempo at De Vleeshal, Middleburg, a dance/video installation at Ateliers du FRAC, Montpellier, France, and the Migros Museum, Zurich. He has also published several works of fiction in Israel.
Uri Tzaig: Duel was organized by Artists Space, NY.
Accompanied by a 100 page, color and b/w catalog.
(currently unavailable)
