Images Re-Vues (Nov 2017)
Science-Fiction : Harald Szeemann et l'imaginaire SF
Abstract
The Science-Fiction exhibition series, curated by Harald Szeemann in 1967 and 1968, can be seen as prototypes for his future ways of curating. With more than 4000 objects exhibited, mainly books, pulps and fanzines, but also works of art, toys, fashion and scientific items, surrounded by pop music, these shows allowed the curator to experiment trans-disciplinarity in a very innovative and inedite way. In this context science-fiction became the theme on which he could articulate his first ideas of Utopia, and give a first impulse to a broader museum critic. With the help of a historical and detailed description of this project, focused on the Musée des arts décoratifs displays in Paris, and revealing the blind spots of its choices, this research aims to shed light on a few features of the young Harald Szeemann’s methodology.
