Michael Stevenson
Serene Velocity in Practice: MC510 Signs & Wonders (Prerequisite for CS183 How to Build the Future) (2017–23)
Michael Stevenson, Serene Velocity in Practice: MC510 Signs & Wonders (Prerequisite for CS183 How to Build the Future) (2017–23), installation view, photo: steirischer herbst / kunst-dokumentation.com, courtesy of the artist, Michael Lett Gallery, Auckland, and Fine Arts, Sydney
Michael Stevenson, Serene Velocity in Practice: MC510 Signs & Wonders (Prerequisite for CS183 How to Build the Future) (2017–23), installation view, photo: steirischer herbst / kunst-dokumentation.com, courtesy of the artist, Michael Lett Gallery, Auckland, and Fine Arts, Sydney
Michael Stevenson, Serene Velocity in Practice: MC510 Signs & Wonders (Prerequisite for CS183 How to Build the Future) (2017–23), installation view, photo: steirischer herbst / kunst-dokumentation.com, courtesy of the artist, Michael Lett Gallery, Auckland, and Fine Arts, Sydney
Michael Stevenson, Serene Velocity in Practice: MC510 Signs & Wonders (Prerequisite for CS183 How to Build the Future) (2017–23), installation view, photo: steirischer herbst / kunst-dokumentation.com, courtesy of the artist, Michael Lett Gallery, Auckland, and Fine Arts, Sydney
Demonology and its link to esoteric Californian capitalism are the theme of Michael Stevenson’s installation. Remounted here, it was originally part of a larger piece exploring two historically significant academic courses. MC510 was a practical course in faith healing and exorcism taught by megachurch founder John Wimber at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, in 1982–85. It is best known for practical sessions, dubbed “clinic time,” where healings and exorcisms were performed by and on class members.
Michael Stevenson (1964, Inglewood, New Zealand) is an artist and educator who uses historical research and reconstruction to produce installations and artworks that index social, economic, and ideological global forces. His works frequently confront viewers with the material and tangible consequences of such forces and the physical realities they produce. Stevenson represented New Zealand at the 50th Venice Biennale and participated in numerous other biennials. Recent solo shows took place at the KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin; Kunstinstituut Melly, Rotterdam; and Monash University Museum of Art, Melbourne. He lives in Berlin.
Commissioned by Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki with commissioning partners the Biennale of Sydney 2018 and Monash University Museum of Art | MUMA
Supported by the Contemporary Benefactors of Auckland Art Gallery; Chartwell Trust; Auckland Contemporary Art Trust; Auckland Art Gallery International Ambassadors; MUMA Contemporaries and Michael Lett, Auckland
Courtesy of the artist, Michael Lett Gallery, Auckland, and Fine Arts, Sydney
Michael Stevenson at Artist Talks
22.9., 15:30–16:30
Installation
Demon Radio
Group exhibition
Commissioned by Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki with commissioning partners the Biennale of Sydney 2018 and Monash University Museum of Art | MUMA
Supported by the Contemporary Benefactors of Auckland Art Gallery; Chartwell Trust; Auckland Contemporary Art Trust; Auckland Art Gallery International Ambassadors; MUMA Contemporaries and Michael Lett, Auckland
Courtesy of the artist, Michael Lett Gallery, Auckland, and Fine Arts, Sydney
Michael Stevenson at Artist Talks
22.9., 15:30–16:30
