Party is Over
2020

Bigert & Bergström’s work, a site-specific installation has been displayed as a part of the Tyst vår (Silent Spring) group exhibition, on view in the forest at Djurgården, Stockholm in April 2020. The show reflects on the Covid-19 pandemic but also on our contradictory relationship with mother nature.

Party is Over embraces four works: Seafood Platter Dream Catcher, two Champagne Wind Chimes and Peak Progress. Each of them composed and constructed by festive supplies, such as balloons, champagne bottles or oyster shells and lobster claws. All reminds us of luxurious celebrations, remnants of high times mixed with the bitter taste of hangover. A hangover which might awaken a sense of remorse.

By softly swinging in the wind, the transformed party supplies sharply point out how carelessly and self-destructively we infect and destroy our environment until nothing human will remain but overlooked litter. The installation enriched with another reading in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, where the former way of our life placed on hold for an indefinite period. Social distancing, self-isolation, radically reduced contacting and travel restrictions became our reality, alias hangover, so to say. Will this current – hopefully temporary – state affect our lifestyle and trigger our attention towards preserving the nature, our last resort? Or will the party go on unchanged? Bigert & Bergström’s installation is an unsealed cautionary tale, where the end is up to us.

Text: Edit Fándly

Installation view, "Tyst vår (Silent Spring)" exhibition, 16.04—30.04.2020, Kaknäs Tower, Djurgården, Stockholm. Photo: Jean-Baptiste Béranger

DOCUMENTATION

"Tyst vår (Silent Spring)" exhibition, 16.04—30.04.2020, Kaknäs Tower, Djurgården, Stockholm. Photo:Jean-Baptiste Béranger
"Party is Over. Champagne Wind Chime." Stainless steel champagne bottle cooler, champagne bottles, corks, aluminum, stainless steel wire. Various dimensions
"Party is Over. Seafood Platter Dream Catcher." Aluminum seafood platter, oyster shells, lobster claws, polyester balloons, metal party streamers, cigarette butt. Various dimensions
"Party is Over. Champagne Wind Chime." Stainless steel champagne bottle cooler, champagne bottles, corks, aluminum, stainless steel wire, metal party streamer. Various dimensions
"Party is Over. Peak Progress." Polyester balloons, metal party streamers. Various dimensions