In the framework of the theme-specific installation, "Alternative Economics, Alternative Societies," focus will be on diverse concepts, models, and utopias for alternative economies and societies which all share a rejection by the capitalist system of rule. For each concept, an interview will be carried out from which an English video will be produced. In the exhibition, these single-channel 20 to 37 minute videos will each be shown on a separate monitor thus forming the central element of the artistic installation.
Chosen for each video will be one quotation significant for the alternative model that it presents. The quote will be placed directly on the floor and the walls of the exhibition room as a several meter long text piece. This floor lettering, made from adhesive film, leads exhibition visitors directly to the corresponding videos, yet the quotes also overlap one another and subdivide the room into different sections.
The exhibition project will be continually expanded in the coming years through further economic and social concepts. These form a non-hierarchically arranged pool, which offers stimulus and suggestions for contemplation of social alternatives and possibilities for action. The installation "Alternative Economics, Alternative Societies" is planned as a series of exhibitions, regularly expanded by new videos.

Oliver Ressler, born in Knittelfeld, Austria, in 1970, lives and works in Vienna.

1989 - 1995 University for Applied Arts, Vienna (A)
1998 Artists Residency, Banff-Centre for the Arts, Banff (CAN)
Oliver Ressler is an artist who carries out projects on various socio-political themes. Since 1994 he has been concerned with exhibitions, site specific projects and videos on issues such as racism, economic globalization, sustainable development, genetic engineering and forms of resistance.

www.ressler.at

"Alternative Economics, Alternative Societies" is a project realized in the framework of republicart (www.republicart.net), produced by Galerija Skuc, Ljubljana and the Kunstraum der Universität Lüneburg. The project is supported by the EU-Program Culture 2000 and the BKA section for the arts.