DUSSELDORF.- As its Number Seven show, Julia Stoschek Collection is presenting two artists in a dual exhibition: British artist Ed Atkins and American artist Frances Stark.

In their multi-disciplinary approaches, Ed Atkins and Frances Stark reflect the change in how artists define forms and the discourse of representation in the world of media images. The work of both artists, each of whom is also active in literature, is characterized by an exploration of the various interactions between image and text. By means of state-of-the-art computer technology they weave a complex fabric of signs, text fragments and autobiographical references that then enter their visual pieces as hypertext. The exhibition will focus on video installations, with collages, conceptual wall pieces and sculptural objects rounding out the selection.

The exhibition concept centers on sequences of individual rooms to broach a dialog between the two artists. The configuration of works highlights the transformation of the classical moving image into digital image production processing. The Julia Stoschek Collection is thus reiterating its emphasis on presenting contemporary time-based media.

High definition image technologies form the basis of Ed Atkins’ artistic practice. He primarily explores the one-sided focus on technical perfection in image quality as opposed to the fact that the media formats can no longer be grasped haptically. Given the consequent de-corporealization, in his installations Atkins seeks to develop an aesthetic of disappearance, taking as his leitmotifs illness and death.

For her art projects, Frances Stark relies on a self-created and multifaceted system of references that above all stem from questioning the notion of authorship and her own artistic creative process. Her work cuts across genres and expresses a tussle with words and their meaning. Short quotes, music, literature, pop culture, autobiographical notes and events all serve as the basis for her video installations, performances, sculptures and works on paper.