Michel de Broin “Retooled Appliances” at bitforms gallery, New York

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Michel de Broin, Overpower, 2013. cast bronze, light bulb, electricity, transformer, circuit. Courtesy bitforms gallery nyc. Photo: John Berens

Michel de Broin
Retooled Appliances

24 October – 7 December 2013
at bitforms gallery, New York

Michel de Broin is best known for interventions and his refunctionalization of utilitarian objects. Rooted in conceptual premises, de Broin’s work generates unexpected levels of complexity from found objects and physical juxtapositions. Established modes of signification are left behind, yielding retooled technological environments and new possibilities for public space. At times, his ingenuity can be nearly indiscernible upon first glance, appearing as a puzzle for the viewer to complete. For example, “Shared Propulsion Car” is a human powered 1986 Buick Regal that de Broin modified furtively. During the Exit Art biennial in 2005, this revolutionary work was driven through Manhattan, presenting challenges to mid town traffic, despite its petrol free combustion.

The exhibition at bitforms gallery features five pieces. Ranging from assemblage to video and photography, these works explore notions of the technological unconscious, as well as resistance and entropy. All studies of physical potential, these works are imaginative and challenge the utopic or authoritative conventions associated with technical progress. Using recursive systems, de Broin disrupts the function of everyday mechanisms and objects. Asymmetries are created between cause and effect. Crafting new relationships between waste, productivity, risk and consumption, de Broin delves critically into Lewis Mumford’s social philosophy of megatechnics. [read the full text here]

bitforms gallery
2nd Floor
529 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
USA
bitforms.com

Opening hours
Tuesday – Saturday: 11h00 – 18h00

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Michel de Broin, Retooled Appliances, 2013. Installation view. Courtesy bitforms gallery nyc. Photo: John Berens

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Michel de Broin, Tour de force, 2013. assembled used tires. Courtesy bitforms gallery nyc. Photo: John Berens

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Michel de Broin, Keep on Smoking, 2005-2010. bicycle, generator, battery, analog gauge, smoke machine. Courtesy bitforms gallery nyc. Photo: John Berens

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Michel de Broin, Smoke, 2011. video 2 min 50 sec, loop. Courtesy bitforms gallery nyc

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Michel de Broin, Logged On, 2013. wood log, electromagnet, neon bulb. Courtesy bitforms gallery nyc. Photo: John Berens

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Michel de Broin, Logged On, 2013. wood log, electromagnet, neon bulb. Courtesy bitforms gallery nyc. Photo: John Berens

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