Platform for discussion | Collection Co–selection

One of conceptual art pieces of Jerzy Fedorowicz was Platform for discussion, presented in 1971 as a simplified painting representation of a concept. In 1999 at the Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art, the artist realized this project as part of the exhibition entitled Conceptual Reflection in Polish Art 1965–1975.

Platform for discussion is one of the Psychodevices Fedorowicz has been working on since the 1970s. The works in this series referred to both the individual psyche and social structures. They resulted from the modern man’s feeling of being overburdened with the consequences of the rapid development of civilization, leading to information chaos, but also an awareness of of various social engineering techniques used by commercial and political entities.

Platform for discussion is a square frame suspended horizontally at a height of 110 cm, outlined with neon light, inside which there are luminous circles of various sizes. They designate places for people participating in the discussion. The intention is to create equal conditions of expression within one platform for all of them – regardless of their physical traits and intellectual disposition. The work is, of course, ironic. Seeking to optimize and facilitate the course of the imaginary discussion, it forces any participants to adopt uncomfortable poses, and the light circles resemble electronic neck collars. So this psycho-device becomes primarily a tool of discipline and oppression. The artist, aware of many circumstances of interpersonal communication in private or public spaces, demonstrates how top-down social engineering or cybernetic models destroy the possibility for a creative discussion.