Katja Strunz (2009)

'The Great Bear (je meurs où je m'attache)'
17 May – 30 September 2009

Katja Strunz selects work to exhibit within the context of Mount Stuart – "a constellation of several metal objects, two paper works and a photographic work collectively titled 'The Great Bear (je meurs où je m'attache)". The installation, developing from the original exhibit Kunstmuseen Krefeld, Haus Esters 2006, reflects the artist's ongoing enquiry into cultural history, philosophy, architecture, temporality and the ownership of space and collections.

The objects, placed within the context at Mount Stuart, and demanding a renewed focus, flow from the contemporary exhibition space of the visitor centre into the outside and provide a significant link to the garden and decorative interiors of the nineteenth century house. "The objects 'Parasols' are built to resemble plants, mushrooms or umbrellas and their positioning follows the pattern of the stars called The Great Bear." The artist's proposal, "rather than represent an exact copy of the constellation is to reflect the idea of mirroring The Great Bear into our space, a mimetic process".

Mount Stuart is infused with astronomical and astrological decorative references, the most striking example being the astronomical ceiling in the Marble Hall. Amongst the spectral figures and shining stars is The Great Bear himself set within the constellations of the Ecliptic. Arts and Crafts decorative artist HW Lonsdale's original designs for the ceiling remain in the archives at Mount Stuart.

The subtitle of the exhibition references "a photographic image taken in Nantes, France 17.3.1929 and shows a group of people wearing camouflage made of leaves. With the help of their outfits they resemble plants. Looking through the photographer's camera into our time they hold a big sign which tells us "je me meurs où je m'attache". The metal objects together with the photographic image join the old saying "I will die where I am closely connected".

"The mimicry of the camouflage suits, the mimetical moment of reflecting The Great Bear, the fabrication of the Parasols from found and collected material into plant forms make the vital connection to nature", and resonate with the eclectic collections at Mount Stuart.

The temporary nature of the work, as with previous projects at Mount Stuart initiates a new conversation about contemporary art practice, a response to the landscape, architecture and archives which creates a process of constant renewal and development.

Other previously commissioned artists

Mount Stuart, Britain’s most astounding Victorian gothic house