Self-portrait


Let me tell you my story and introduce you to my characters.

1988-1992: In Kiel I built a corridor from beer coasters, which formed the first room (Produktionshan) of my autobiographical work the GOI-Komplex.

1992: I found the company “GOI.” The key words are import/export, expansion, macht-power. The artworks, conceived as transportable goods, are wooden cases stamped with the GOI logo.

1992-1993: Zitronenmann (Lemon Man) is born. He wears a black-buttoned, yellow Nervenkostüm jumpsuit for protection and walks like an Egyptian.

1993: The “GOI-Land Schau” phase kicks off in Berlin. Gaze fixed intently out into space, the key words for this stage are horror vacui, complete isolation from art trends, inner journeys within the Self, the deconstruction of macht-power.

1993-1994: Schrumpfgoi (Shrinking-Goi) is born. This character is a true contradiction in terms and utterly grotesque with his pointy nose, legs doubled back over his chest, and branches instead of arms. Everything I did at this time was deeply infused with meaning.

1993-1995: Love WG (love commune and club-studio in Berlin mitte), an insular crowd, and sculpture; a synthesis of three different concepts. Initially a private space, Love WG then became a public arena and, finally, a place where exhibitions, concerts, and parties were held. Key words: pursuit of excess, the frantic search for a new “extended” family, collapse, enlightenment, abandoning a sinking ship, new beginnings. The curious characters GOI-Love WG (Peti) and GOI-Gaudy Stresse also trace their roots back to this period…


The full text is published in "tema celeste" No. 85, May-June 2001.




Goi