Critically acclaimed New York artist Paul Chan made his name with experimental video, projections and digital art. In 2009 he surprised fans by suddenly breaking away from using light as a medium and switching to experimental printmaking and sculpting with air. A collection of Chan’s work titled “Breathers” presents some of that work and is now on display at the Contemporary Art Museum.
Misa Jeffereis, associate curator at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, told St. Louis on the Air that “Breathers” comes from the artist’s need for a break from his usual artistic practice. In other words, he needed a breather.
“[He] had reached peak screen or what we may call screen fatigue,” Jefferies shared. “This [was] also when iPhones were coming into popularity. The idea of carrying a screen around with you in your pocket was also really overwhelming and daunting to him. So he decided he would stop making videos altogether.”
Breath and air is more than a medium in “Breathers.” Chan’s messaging is delivered by air — or the lack thereof — to address global issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, deforestation and pollution, which is also in his illustrated works at CAM.
Multidisciplinary artist Simiya Sudduth said they appreciate Chan’s works for those messages and the emotion it evokes. Sudduth utilizes breath and air in their own practices, both of art and of healing, which is one in the same for them.
“So much of my work is grounded in the concept [and] act of healing through creating art. My engagement with breathwork as a practitioner, and as a breathwork and meditation teacher, folds into it,” said Sudduth, whose public art includes murals around the city and public performances. “That spirituality [and] mindfulness, that quiet moment is where the inspiration comes from. That's where I get the messages I need to move forward with my practice.”
Passersby can see Chan’s sculptures, made from sewn nylon and fans, moving about through CAM’s window facing North Spring Avenue. They function similarly to inflated air dancers most commonly seen at car dealerships. However, where air dancer movements are erratic and unpredictable, Jeffereis said the sculptures in “Breathers” were created for specific movement and range of motion.
“[The sculptures] can be a bit surprising in some ways. Paul, though, is really trying to create choreography. It's almost like a video on loop,” Jeffereis explained. “He thinks about it as a moving image in some ways. So, you'll see the repeated movement, over and over, if you stand there long enough.”
For more on Paul Chan’s “Breathers,” air as an artistic medium and a bonus guided breathing exercise led by Simiya Sudduth, listen to St. Louis on the Air on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or click the play button below.
Related Event
What: Paul Chan’s “Breathers”
When: Through Aug. 11
Where: Contemporary Art Museum, St. Louis (3750 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108)
“St. Louis on the Air” brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. The show is produced by Ulaa Kuziez, Miya Norfleet, Emily Woodbury, Danny Wicentowski, Elaine Cha and Alex Heuer. Roshae Hemmings is our production assistant. The audio engineer is Aaron Doerr.
