Bregenz (BRK) – The catalog “Gottfried Bechtold, G. Bechtold 22, Signature” has been published on the occasion of the art project “Taurus-Signatur 22” by Gottfried Bechtold in public space in Bregenz and in Magazin 4.
The new catalog focuses on the trilogy of signature projects by Gottfried Bechtold from 2002 to 2022, one of the most important Austrian sculptors and conceptual artists.
Taurus Signature 22 Project
In the documentary exhibition in Magazin 4, which was on view from July 19 to October 2, 2022, the comprehensive project was presented in its entirety for the first time. The exhibition discussed the signature trilogy in the context of his various projects and thus dealt with the continuity and development of his engagement with central themes of our time such as authorship, appropriation and mobility. On the canopy of Magazine 4, the 1966 Cadillac Coupe DeVille was originally signed in 2017 with “G. Bechtold”, and the 3 x 1.5 meter object – the signature for TAURUS – was attached to a prominent house facade on Sparkassenplatz as part of the exhibition.
At the heart of the “Taurus Signature 22” project is the “Taurus Locomotive”, which – wrapped in black foil by Bechtold and provided with his signature – travels through the European rail network for an indefinite period of time.
“Taurus Signature 22” represents the conclusion of Gottfried Bechtold’s signature trilogy, in which the artist deals with the concept of the ready-made. As with his earlier signature projects in 2002 and 2015, in which Bechtold put his signature on the monumental Silvretta dam “Signature 02” or in a snowfield in Lech “Signature 15”, he questions the relationship between objects with his “TAURUS Signature 22”. and authorship.
With his signature project, Gottfried Bechtold questions authorship in a time of ego culture. “In principle, the signatures are about questioning the authorship. In a time of exuberant selfie and ego culture, I want to create a paradox insofar as my signature is diametrically opposed to the subject I have signed,” says Gottfried Bechtold.
Mayor Michael Ritsch: “The project “Taurus-Signatur 22″ by Gottfried Bechtold was an exciting interplay of different works that can be admired not only in Magazine 4, but also in public space – sometimes still. I am very pleased that the cultural service is now publishing a catalog that summarizes the work of Gottfried Bechtold’s signature projects.”
“Growing up on a stonemason’s farm, Gottfried Bechtold was always interested in heavy things, their stillness and movement. With the 88-ton Taurus, signed by him, he transforms standstill and movement as a mobile work of art throughout Europe. The fact that Bregenz was allowed to be the starting point for the ‘Taurus 22’ project, a signature on the ‘H. Boss Haus’ is immortalized in the middle of Bregenz and an exhibition in Magazin 4 documented the conclusion of the Signature trilogy, we are grateful to Gottfried Bechtold for that, because he also marks Bregenz as a center of art and culture. The catalog ‘Gottfried Bechtold, G. Bechtold 22, Signature’ is therefore also a historical document,” says Michael Rauth, City Councilor for Culture.
Catalog for the project “Taurus Signature 22”
The catalog “Gottfried Bechtold, G. Bechtold 22, signature”, published by BUCHER Verlag, shows the signature work of the artist Gottfried Bechtold. The works of the artist are presented in exciting texts and impressive pictures.
