26 February 2021, Goodwood
- Four concept artworks for Muse, the Rolls-Royce Art Programme’s flagship initiative Dream Commission will be presented online atFondation Beyeler and Serpentine
- Shortlisted artists presenting work include Sondra Perry, Beatriz Santiago Muñoz, Martine Syms and Zhou Tao
“We are delighted to present the four shortlisted artworks of Muse, the Rolls-Royce Art Programme’s inaugural Dream Commission at the Fondation Beyeler in Basel, Switzerland and the Serpentine, London. To be providing a vital platform for moving-image art at this critical time for the industry is befitting in the 110th year of our very own Muse, the Spirit of Ecstasy. The concept artworks are compelling yet diverse; we look forward to the Jury’s decision as to who will be awarded the very first, Rolls-Royce Dream Commission.”
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
The Dream Commission is Rolls-Royce’s biennial prize, awarded to inspire greatness and foster creativity in the media of moving-image art. Artists Sondra Perry (USA), Beatriz Santiago Muñoz (Puerto Rico), Martine Syms (USA) and Zhou Tao (China) were selected by an international Jury of leading art world individuals, having been nominated by a panel of art industry figureheads, over the course of 2020.
Each artist has created a moving-image concept artwork, exploring the notion of ‘Dreams’, which will premiere on the websites of the Fondation Beyeler and Serpentine from 26 February, 2021.
- Lineage for a Phantom Zone by Sondra Perry, a meditation on lineage, longing, and memory using personal and online archival footage.
- The Source by Beatriz Santiago Muñoz, which takes place against the backdrop of Puerto Rico, bringing the rich history and culture of the country to light.
- SLIP by Martine Syms, which introduces viewers into the artist’s personal mythology; equal parts biological, psychological and sociological.
- Three Hundred Miles Southwest by Zhou Tao, in which the artist moves the gaze of his lens from densely populated areas to a remote and almost mythological setting.
The works act as a proof of concept for consideration by the Jury, leading to one artist being awarded the Rolls-Royce Dream Commission in March 2021. The final artwork will be presented at the Fondation Beyeler in Autumn 2021.
“The last months have shown us how crucial the contribution of artists and the arts is to both society and our wellbeing. Supporting artists is more important than ever. It’s particularly difficult for artists in the field of media art to find the funds and resources to realize their work. The Dream Commission makes a very valuable contribution in this field. The concepts of the four shortlisted artists are a great first achievement and we are happy to present them online on our website.”
Sam Keller, Director, Fondation Beyeler
“Now more than ever, we should be listening to artists – it is often they who have the most important and prescient ideas about how one can act in times of crisis. All of our shortlisted artists address urgent issues of our time with remarkable vision and commitment. Their work is generous, engaged and empathetic. These artists all show us that, in the words of poet Etel Adnan, “the world needs togetherness not separation, Love not suspicion. A common future, not isolation”. It has been a great pleasure to work with Rolls-Royce, Fondation Beyeler and my wonderful jury colleagues to support and highlight these important artists.”
Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director, Serpentine
Click here to view the concept works: Fondation Beyeler , Serpentine. Please be aware that some of the content includes strong language.
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