Michael Schaefer, “Chasing my tail : Nietzsche’s Eternal Recurrence”
July 2016
‘Chasing my tail : Nietzsche’s Eternal Recurrence’ represents Michael Schaefer in his first solo exhibition since graduating with a BVA from Adelaide Central School of Art. It continues the evolution in his investigation of performance and the use of the body as medium.
Nietzsche’s eternal recurrence is an intellectual thought exercise rather than a metaphysical dictum. It asks us to imagine if we were to return to the same point in time, place, position, indeed life repeatedly for all eternity, would we be buoyed by our choices and decision making that sees us in our current state?
Schaefer’s performance video works, presented in an installation form, explore this question inviting contemplation of the meaning we place in the repetition and endurance daily life demands.
These works are simple visual echolalia, perhaps easily garnered, but with perseverance each reiteration builds, like in life, a sense of anticipation that rises and then falls. It is at this point that the metaphor is found.
Opening night wine is provided by Coriole Vineyards.
