Cosinus Alpha 3 1964

Curator: Otto Muehl's photograph "Cosinus Alpha 3," created in 1964, presents a raw and confrontational moment from the artist’s actionist period. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the stark contrast between the cardboard box and the vulnerable figures contained within it. It speaks volumes about restriction, packaging, and perhaps even commodification. Curator: Precisely. The box can be interpreted as a symbol of societal constraint, confining the human form. Muehl often used the body to explore themes of liberation and transgression. Editor: It’s fascinating to consider the materials themselves. Cardboard, a cheap, readily available material, contrasts sharply with the sensuality of the nude figures. Was it readily available or part of a commentary? Curator: Most likely, a commentary. Given Muehl's interests, this pairing suggests a commentary on consumerism, using a basic container to frame an intimate scene and elevate a base object to the artistic. The nude embrace evokes ancient motifs of union and primal innocence. He liked exploring raw expressions, sometimes challenging moral norms. Editor: That's a good point, and to the perspective of performance art, where bodies are both the subject and object. The performance is not simply documented but seemingly staged in a specific way to accentuate specific messages, social and individual. This element makes me curious as to what those foodstuffs may contribute in that left lower side of the frame, where some ingredients sit quietly. Curator: The setting contributes a layer of symbolic contrast, creating discomfort for some. By bringing the viewer face-to-face with vulnerability inside artificial borders, Muehl pushes for the human breaking through the conventional. Editor: Ultimately, I see a raw challenge—a provocation to confront our own assumptions about the body, materiality, and their intertwined meanings within society. Curator: Yes. It reminds me of an ancient tale about stripping down ideals or showing an unseen aspect in common rituals. It seems that “Cosinus Alpha 3” urges the viewers to reflect.