Videoperformance, mini DV, DVD, 2:01min, 16:9, Sound, 2010
“A Taste of Bench” is a video artwork by Roland Wegerer that documents a unique performance through a sequence of 126 still images. Set against the tranquil backdrop of a lakeside, the artist—dressed in black—engages in a meticulous exploration of a simple bench, using his body to investigate and redefine its presence and meaning in space.
Throughout the video, Wegerer moves deliberately, shifting his position and posture in relation to the bench. Each new pose is captured as a photograph, and together, these images are strung into a rhythmic, almost meditative visual narrative. The process of moving from one position to the next transforms the bench from a static object into a dynamic partner in a silent dialogue. The artist’s body becomes both a measuring instrument and a sculptural element, tracing out new relationships and perspectives with each subtle shift.
In “A Taste of Bench,” the act of performance is inseparable from the act of documentation, blurring the boundaries between live art and photography—a hallmark of Wegerer’s concept of expanded sculpture. Here, the bench is not just a piece of outdoor furniture, but an active participant in an evolving, site-specific artwork.
The lakeside setting adds another layer of meaning, situating the performance within the natural environment and inviting viewers to reflect on the interplay between human presence, designed objects, and landscape. The artist’s black attire creates a striking visual contrast with the surroundings, emphasizing the sculptural quality of each pose and the iconic simplicity of the bench itself.