Santiago Sierra

111 Konstruktionen mit 10 Elementen und 10 Arbeitern (Nr. 39, #42/04), 2004

Santiago Sierra’s art demonstrates the factual nature of the way of thinking that structures the world exclusively into measurable parameters, according to utility and exchange values. The titles of Sierra’s actions therefore sound rather prosaic in their literal sense: ten people paid to masturbate (Havana, 2000) or 111 constructions with 10 elements and 10 workers (Zurich, 2004) describe just a few job situations which are isolated from everyday life by Sierra. Sierra’s social formalizations evoke questions about the existential necessity of the individual of owning not more than one’s bare life which is therefore being materialized no matter where and for what it is being sold. Human being and body are worker and working force, both becoming object and commodity: this economic law is clearly demonstrated by Sierra. His actions are characterized by the use of minimalist aestheticism. On contrary social space is again brought into the focus of attention by Sierra’s performances.