A New Chance for Symbolic Dimension

‘A New Chance for Symbolic Dimension’ (2005), is a video installation based on a scene of Ingmar Bergman’s ‘The Magician’ (Ansiktet, 1958) in which art and society, magic and art are confronted. The work uses a clever application of mechanical sorcery that creates a magic phenomenon that echoes the fakery and trickery of the film. In this scene the authorities of a little Swedish village at beginning of twentieth century, medical, police and governor, examine to a troupe of showman that just arrived in town. The performers use occultist’s techniques and optical tricks for their shows and this annoy the positivist spirit of science and politics. Those humiliate the members of the company in the name of public safety. Dr Vogler (Max von Sidow) is the artist, the representative of sublime and uncertain that confronts Dr Vergerus, health minister, representative of the truth of Science.