Introduction
G3n3ral Id3a – a fiction bigger than reality. A complex structure of ideas and objects, a monumental enterprise whose ambition is to build a network in which the artist, his work, the media and the public are united.
Under the guise of pseudonyms, 3 Canadian artists called AA Bronson, Felix Partz and Jorge Zontal work together in the group 'General Idea'.
Founded in 1968, they pursue the joint project Miss General Idea.
The myth of Miss General Idea 1984 (The 1984 Miss General Idea Pageant) was built up by a series of traces left behind, by splendid appearances of the 'followers' of Miss General Idea 1984, and by the pseudo-mass media used by General Idea especially as a field of activity.
‘Found formats' are used to construct this myth, thus File Megazine, published for the first time in 1972 (a conversion of LIFE Magazine), became its own media medium. Pictures, photos, installations, performances, performances of the 'followers' of Miss General Idea, as well as videos and television films (made in the style of documentary films) become means of representation.
Until 1977 General Idea worked on the construction of The 1984 Miss General Idea Pavilion. From 1977-1980, in various stages, the destruction of this mythical building was shown. Since 1980 we find the archaeological ruins and the reconstruction of the same.
The Miss General Idea Pavilion is a decentralized building that exists in a series of temporary and permanent installations in museums and galleries around the world. The pavilion consists of museum shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars, cultural events and products that describe the central theme of the museum as a spiritual place of art.
An overview of the complete works of the artist group is shown in this form for the first time in Germany by:
Esther Schipper: Yen Boutique (Multiples)
March 3 – April 1, 1989
Daniel Buchholz: G3NERAL ID3A, 1968-1988
March 3 – April 1, 1989
Video Folkwang, Folkwang Museum, Essen: Videos
March 2, 1989, 7pm
Bookstore Walther König: Shop window installation
March 3 – April 19, 1989
The artists are present at all events.