Mischievous, messy, naughty and zany… there are many words that have been used to describe the madcap all-male Austrian collective Gelitin (formerly Gelatin until 2005). All of which are appropriate considering their latest London show. Taking the premise of ‘Why have one idea when you can have ten?’ Ali Janka, Florian Reither, Tobias Urban and Wolfgang Gantner, who met at summer camp back in 1978, have unleashed their kooky approach to art making with a carnivalesque display of eclectic works.
The one distinguishing element of Gelitin’s practice is that it is decidedly indistinguishable. By asserting autonomous authorship, they relinquish the need to limit their scope, and therefore any medium, style and idea is game for the taking – as is obvious from the 24 works on show here. Large brown stained pots and a toilet stand in the window, while plasticine paintings hang on a wall next to assemblages made from underwear and string. Be sure to take note of five glazed ceramics on a makeshift wooden plinth. These anthropomorphic lumps titled ‘Golem’ are linked to a video downstairs, in which you can see – hysterically – how they are made. Gelitin have been known to get their kit off for their art and in ‘I Like My Job 3’ the artists quite literally get stuck into their work, using their penises to craft the sculptures.
Freud and Jung would have a field day with these revellers who, referring to themselves as a ‘salad’ that can take on multiple guises and intentions, truly grasp that art is about enjoyment as much as the message. We’re just glad we get to tag along for the ride.
Freire Barnes