Rolf Julius's Sound Art Exhibition at Galerie Thomas Bernard – Cortex Athletico
From 12 December 2015 to 6 February 2016, Galerie Thomas Bernard – Cortex Athletico in Paris hosted an exhibition dedicated to the groundbreaking work of German sound artist Rolf Julius, who passed away in 2011. Spanning three decades, Julius's exploration of sound, visual elements, and physical sensations was on full display. Among the featured pieces was a reimagining of 'Music for the Eyes' from 1981, where visitors reclined on carpeting with loudspeakers positioned above them. Additional works included 'Echtgrün–hell' (1994) and 'Two Large Blacks' (2005). A 2000 series of ink circles on Korean paper acted as a 'Score' for an upcoming concert. ArtReview's April 2016 issue reviewed the exhibition, acknowledging Julius's impact on sound art.
Key facts
- Rolf Julius was a German sound artist who died in 2011.
- The exhibition ran from 12 December 2015 to 6 February 2016 at Galerie Thomas Bernard – Cortex Athletico in Paris.
- Julius's work explored intersections between sound, visual imagery, and bodily experience over 30 years.
- A recreation of 'Music for the Eyes' (1981) involved audiences lying down with loudspeakers over their eyes.
- Other pieces included 'Two Large Blacks' (2005) and 'Echtgrün–hell' (1994).
- Visitors assumed unusual physical postures to hear subtle sounds from the artworks.
- Julius's ideas anticipated later sound art developments, such as those by Christine Sun Kim.
- The exhibition was reviewed in ArtReview's April 2016 issue.
Entities
Artists
- Rolf Julius
- Susan Philipsz
- Christine Sun Kim
- Salomé Voegelin
- Seth Kim-Cohen
Institutions
- Galerie Thomas Bernard – Cortex Athletico
- ArtReview
- The Wire
Locations
- Paris
- France