HUGO TILLMAN
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BETWIXT AND BETWEEN

Large format images made in Ethnographic Museums around Europe as well as the Sukuh Fertility Temple on Java. This work deals with the space between time and the threshold of becoming.

The "Betwixt and Between" series, a creation of Hugo Tillman, stands as a profound exploration of liminality and transformation, leading viewers on a visual journey from the known to the enigmatic unknown. Captured through the evocative power of a Deardorff 8x10 large format camera, this collection reveals the magic in moments of change and passage. Drawing from a rich tapestry of cultural and historical sources, including notable museums such as the Powell Cotton Museum in Kent, and the Natural History Museum in Vienna, each photograph in this series serves as a tribute to artifacts that have shaped our understanding of life and death. Inspired by Arnold Van Gennep's "Rites of Passage," these photographs capture the essence of transition. Echoing Maurice Blanchot’s philosophical musings in “The Other Night,” they delve into the transformative potential of ambiguity and the spaces between existence. The series resonates with Stephanie Rosenthal’s exhibition of Black Paintings at the Haus Der Kunst, paralleling the exploration of human consciousness and cultural memory. Tillman's work probes the depths of the unseen, seeking what lies beneath our historical and ethical constructs. Transcending photography, the series extends into the realm of film with "Under the Bed."" This film reflects on the metaphysical discourse of Javanese puppet theatre, a theme captured in the Javanese myth of "Longan." The film showcases the innovative puppetry of Slamet Gundono, an Indonesian master whose revolutionary approach redefined traditional puppetry. Gundono’s Wayang Suket, a unique form of grass puppetry, infuses traditional narratives with contemporary relevance, bridging the gap between the ancient and the modern. His work in "Under the Bed" demonstrates a profound ability to capture and convey complex emotions and themes through the subtle movements and expressions of his puppets. Complementing Gundono’s puppetry, Ghasem Ebrahimian's cinematography adds a layer of visual depth and narrative richness. Ebrahimian employs a cinematic language that enhances the storytelling. His work is characterized by an intricate understanding of light, shadow, and composition, making every frame of "Under the Bed" a testament to his skill in visual storytelling. Ebrahimian's ability to capture the nuanced interplay of Gundono’s puppets with their environment contributes significantly to the film’s ethereal and haunting atmosphere. The photographic imagery, initially met with modest recognition, holds an intrinsic value that is timeless and universal, echoing the meditative depth of the Rothko Chapel and the awe of discovering an untouched cavern. These photographs stand as a testament to the persistence of art, its enduring power, and its ability to evolve beyond immediate reception, venturing into the realms of collective memory and cultural legacy.

Footnotes:

  1. Liminality refers to the state of being "in between" or on the threshold of change, often associated with rites of passage and transformative experiences.
  2. These museums house diverse collections of cultural and historical artifacts, contributing to the thematic richness of the series.
  3. The Venus of Willendorf is a prehistoric figurine dating back to the Paleolithic period, known for its depiction of a female form and its potential symbolism related to fertility and life cycles.
  4. Arnold Van Gennep's "Rites of Passage" explores rituals and ceremonies associated with significant life transitions.
  5. Maurice Blanchot's "The Other Night" explores themes of ambiguity, the unknown, and existential questions.
  6. Stephanie Rosenthal's Black Paintings delve into human consciousness and cultural memory.
  7. The Javanese puppet theatre and the myth of "Longan" serve as sources of inspiration, reflecting metaphysical and cultural themes.
  8. The film "Under the Bed" suggests a multidisciplinary approach to art and storytelling.
  9. The Rothko Chapel is known for its immersive and meditative environment.
  10. This statement highlights the enduring impact of Tillman's photographs in art and cultural legacy.

Bibliography:

  • Van Gennep, Arnold. The Rites of Passage. University of Chicago Press, 1960.
  • Blanchot, Maurice. The Writing of the Disaster. University of Nebraska Press, 1995.
  • Rosenthal, Stephanie. Black Paintings. Prestel Publishing, 2012.