Experiencing Time and Performance Art in R. Sebastian Schachinger at Kunsthaus Baselland
Contemporary art often challenges how we perceive our daily routines, but few projects interrogate the structure of the clock quite like the presentation by Sebastian Schachinger at Kunsthaus Baselland. Running from September 17 to October 1, 2023, the exhibition shifts standard institutional rhythms by introducing a 13th hour into the conventional cycle. This temporal twist alters not only the artist's daily pattern but also the operational cadence of the exhibition space itself, offering visitors a distinct encounter with desynchronization.
Navigating a Shifted Daily Rhythm and Live Performances
The project unfolds as a multi-week sequence featuring a series of live actions and installations. Rather than adhering to conventional gallery hours, the project operates on an offset timeframe where individual pieces and interventions—such as those detailed in the Vernissage agenda—unfold across unconventional hours, occasionally falling in the early morning or middle of the night for those engaging with the space.
At the center of the foyer stands a double-sided time display sourced from a former factory floor, replacing standard institutional timekeeping with an alternative tempo. Alongside this, a frieze composed of 720 distinct wristwatches spans the exhibition rooms, with each piece frozen at a different minute of a 12-hour cycle. These elements form the physical framework for a sequence of performances, including collaborations like the piano improvisation alongside Laura Chihaia, as documented in the performance overview.
What Visitors Can Expect
Schachinger’s work questions how creative production fits within the standard 24-hour cycle alongside basic human needs such as sleep, labor, and social connection. By stretching the daily framework, the installation examines social synchronization, institutional hierarchies, and behavioral patterns dictated by clocks and schedules. Visitors stepping into the galleries encounter a dynamic environment where object-based installations meet live, sketch-like performances.
For those tracking regional events during this period, related initiatives such as the Swiss Performance Art Award 2023 further highlight the venue's active role in supporting contemporary performance practices. Additional insights and local press perspectives can be explored via the Muttenzer Anzeiger coverage.
To discover more contemporary art venues and upcoming programs across the city, you can explore the curated guides on Musemap (musemap.art), browse the comprehensive museum search, or view the interactive city map.
