Leung Chi Wo

"This text is a compliation of relies from more than a hundred persons to Leung Chi Wo concerning an independent arts organization, Depot, which was located in the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna during 1994-2001.

Depot of Disappearance is a text-based installation that addresses issues of memory, space and cultural policy. It takes as its focus an independent arts organization, Depot, which was located in the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna during 1994-2001. Fragments of personal memory and knowledge (or ignorance), be they contradictory or consistent, of Depot during this period from diverse individuals collectively suggest a metaphor for the independent cultural development in the times of socio-political changes. To recall the immediate past is neither a relief from fear of disappearance or a pursuit for nostalgia. Instead, it is to contemplate disappearance in its own right. In fact, Depot continues to exist behind the MuseumsQuartier today.

The video was edited from still images (empty corners) of the old premises of Depot which are generated into slow motion.

The soundtrack is the monologue by the artist, compiled from the replies from more than 100 interested parties about their knowledge and memories of the old Depot (or their lack of it). It is about 40 min long and played in loops.

Opposite to the video is a straight-shot photograph of the present Depot’s main room with a blank screen, measured the same size as the LCD monitor.

language: english