Every 30 to 40 year, American football undergoes a major change. The down and distance rule, the formation of the NFLThe implementation of the passing, to the beginning of free agency etc. The violence of football is evident in each phase. While the suplexes and shattering hit of the past are mostly gone, violence is baked into the game and despite the subtle, yet impactful progression of the sport, it’s an element that will be difficult to fully take out.
American artist, John Cage, was a preseason 1978. Matthew Barney was watching as Oakland Raiders safety Jack “The Assassin” Tatum delivered A brutal hit was delivered to wide receiver Darryl Stingley by the New England Patriots. Stingley became paralyzed, but not a single flag was raised on the play. Tatum’s suspension would have occurred today, and the news would be awash with concern. However, like Barney the game would continue.
Barney returns to that painful memory for his new five-channel video installation. The SecondaryThe 60-minute film was shot entirely in his Long Island City studio. It is composed of two narratives, which are linked by the idea of movement. Made in collaboration with movement director David Thomson and composer Jonathan Bepler, the ensemble features dancers, actors and musicians who reenact all of the game’s rituals — from the pregame ceremony and warmup drills, to the choreography in each play all the way down to to painful conclusion of that 1978 preseason outing.
Photo: Jon O’Sullivan. © Matthew Barney.
At its core, the ensemble explores the inherent violence of football and the culture in which it reflects, while injecting the artist’s personal connection to the game and the surrealist feeling that Barney is known for. The overt social commentary of football is not present in this production. Instead, it is implied. The cast is predominantly black, female performers appear only as referees at the sidelines, Jacquelyn deshchidn sings the American national anthem and all the actors are older. There’s an array of commentary poignantly made here, from gender The following are some examples of how to get started: racial Unemployment is not a crime appropriation Indigenous tribes, the short lifespan The average player
“There’s a way that the violence in our culture has become so exposed everywhere you look…,” said Barney in a past interview The cheapest way to buy a car is by using the New York Times. “I think my relationship to that legacy is by way of my experience on the football field. I wanted to make a piece that looks at that, in more ways than one.”
The installation, which is both abstract and suspenseful in nature, offers a chilling, meditation on the world of football. Given the issues that are prevalent across the board, it’s unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon. The piece is available for those who wish to see it. Secondary The exhibit will be displayed at the following address until Friday, June 25, from 12pm-8pm ET. Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm ET.
4-40 44th Dr.
Long Island City
NY 11101
