C-Prints, var. dim., 2014
The Hummerbichler – The Photo Series is a visually striking photographic project by Roland Wegerer that extends the themes and aesthetics of his video series “The Hummerbichler.” In this body of work, Wegerer appears in an oversized, red full-body stretch suit, transforming himself into the enigmatic character of the Hummerbichler. This character, already familiar from the video performances, continues its exploration of identity, transformation, and the boundaries of the human form.
In each photograph, Wegerer uses everyday objects such as gym balls, wooden trestles, and buckets to deform or extend his body. These interventions create a series of surreal and temporary sculptural forms, captured at the intersection of performance and photography. The result is a collection of images that blur the line between body and object, reality and fiction, and invite viewers to reflect on the possibilities of physical transformation and self-reinvention.
The use of the red stretch suit and the manipulation of the body with various objects create a sense of alienation and otherness, evoking the character’s ongoing search for orientation in unknown environments. Each photograph captures a fleeting, performative moment, transforming the artist’s body into a temporary sculpture that exists only for the duration of the shot. This process reflects Wegerer’s interest in performance art, where live action and photographic documentation merge to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences.