Introduction

In 1995, artists Carsten Höller, Philippe Parreno and Rirkrit Tiravanija collaborated to produce a film. After some discussion, they wrote a text in English which was translated into Italian. This script provides a dialogue for three characters. Through the writing process, separate identities merge into one and divide again. There is no clear correlation between an author and character, but particular traits are recognisable. Much care was taken to ensure that, in the Italian script, each character is allocated the same number of words. This process allows ideas, rather than personalities, to take center stage. The title VICINATO is best translated as ‘neighbourhood’. The film shows the kind of complex interaction that is possible between friends.

The casting session and filming took place in Milan during the early autumn of 1995. Shot in black and white on 16mm stock, Vicinato was made to be projected as a film, not a video. It was first screened in late 1995 at Studio Guenzani, Milan, with the original Italian dialogue. An English language version was also produced. Rather than try to lip-sync the film, a voice-over was recorded. It is this version that is exhibited at Schipper & Krome, Cologne.

– Liam Gillick  & Jack Wendler

November 1996