Unusual
This strange “accident” caused causing to Friborg
An damaged car, a firefighter, noise … In Friborg, this scene surprises more than one passerby. But there are explanations.
“The accident”, rue de Romont, in Friborg.
Eric Lecluyse
In Friborg, a crashing car against a low wall at the top of rue de Romont has not moved since Friday, June 13. And for good reason: it is a work installed in homage to Jean Tinguelywhich will be visible until Monday, July 7.
Olivier SUTER, who conceived it with François Gendre, tells us about this “accident”, who leaves no one indifferent.
The first time we approach this work, you can believe that it is a real accident. Is it wanted?
There have been a lot of calls to report an accident, more than 100 on the first day. The police demanded that we add an explanatory panel. We would have preferred to keep this tragic, true side.
The tribute to Jean Tinguely is still not easy …
It is a reference to the fountains of Tinguely, in particular that dedicated to his friend the Formula 1 Pilot Jo Siffert. And an evocation of speed. As Jo digitizedJean Tinguely had a taste for speed, racing cars, with a penchant for accidents. One of his friends said that leaving for the 24 hours of Le Mans, he had removed the brakes from his car, leaving only handbrakes.
It is also a very joyful work …
Yes, as with Tinguelythere is this clown side. Children were his favorite audience. He said: “What’s good with children is that they don’t ask if it’s art.” When you approach “the accident”, water comes out of the tank and the firefighter’s spear, you hear a laughter, there is a pigeon in the branches, a smoke machine, roar … and the trunk opens to show in particular bits of films. You have to stay 30 minutes to see everything, except the trunk, which only opens once a day.
Some passers -by complain about waste of water. What does that do you?
Not much. We are respectful on these questions. But all the fountains lose their water. It’s just that there, it shows. The fountains in a closed circuit, it is not possible, otherwise the water would be polluted.
Have you heard other reactions?
A lot of very positive echoes when you come to recharge the installation in water and soap bubbles every day. People use it in a heat wave. Children love it. It is quite jubilant.
What will become of the installation after July 7?
She will return to the discharge, where she comes from.
What message do you want to convey with “the accident”?
We leave it to people to see what they want, tragic, waste, humor … Interpretations, it escapes us. It is no longer our job.
“The Friborg week”
Discover most of the news from the canton of Friborg every Friday.
Other newsletters
Did you find an error? Please report it to us.
