Prague
Completed

Roger Hiorns: Pohřbení letadla (Plane Burial) – A Groundbreaking Land Art Exhibition

This significant off-site project featured the ceremonial burial of a MiG-21 military aircraft, exploring themes of human ambition.

Dive into Roger Hiorns's thought-provoking 'Pohřbení letadla', an artistic happening where a MiG-21 jet was ceremonially interred. This unique land art installation challenges perceptions of technology and mortality, building on traditions while critiquing globalized rituals. Created for Galerie Rudolfinum's 100th exhibition, it took place at the ELI Beamlines research facility, blending historical depth with scientific ambition.

About Happening Roger Hiorns: Pohřbení letadla at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Happening Roger Hiorns: Pohřbení letadla at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague

Exhibition summary

This off-site project by British artist Roger Hiorns involved the ceremonial burial of a MiG-21 military aircraft. The happening references land art traditions and the revision of rituals in a globalized society, juxtaposing human ambition for flight with the finality of existence.

Curatorial context

The 'Happening Roger Hiorns: Pohřbení letadla' (Plane Burial) was an off-site project by British artist Roger Hiorns, created to mark the 100th exhibition of Galerie Rudolfinum since its founding in 1994. Hiorns's work involved the ceremonial act of burying a MiG-21 military aircraft. This project draws parallels with the traditions of land art while also exploring the phenomenon of revisiting traditional rituals within a globalized society. The concept confronts humanity's enduring desire to fly, manifested in powerful machines built to assert dominance and represent the triumph of enlightenment and progress, with the inevitable human condition of mortality. It's described as a silent farewell, a silent triumph in a dystopian landscape, and a lapidary sculptural happening with a socio-critical undertone. The idea encompasses the burial of multiple aircraft of different types in various global contexts. Roger Hiorns, a Turner Prize finalist in 2009, is known for his works that question the squandering of human potential and energy, and the manipulation of individuals by authorities, while consistently seeking new forms of artistic expression. For this project, a specific MiG-21 MF aircraft, manufactured in 1971 and retired from service in 1996, was used. The burial took place on the grounds of ELI Beamlines, a cutting-edge laser research facility in Dolní Břežany, a location chosen for its blend of historical depth and contemporary scientific ambition. Experts ensured the aircraft was decontaminated and conserved to prevent any environmental hazards.

Admission and ticket notes

Information regarding ticketing or admission fees for this specific off-site happening is not detailed on the page. Visitors were directed to reserve participation for associated talks and tours in advance via email.

Happening Roger Hiorns: Pohřbení letadla key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Happening Roger Hiorns: Pohřbení letadla at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague

Venue
Galerie Rudolfinum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Oct 1, 2017 – Oct 1, 2017
Artist line / attribution
Featuring the work of British artist Roger Hiorns, a finalist for the Turner Prize in 2009, known for his critical engagement with societal themes and artistic innovation.
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