Benita-Immanuel Grosser

Artist-yogis Benita-Immanuel Grosser invite us to lie down with strangers in a series of occasions that fuse architecture, design, performance and philosophy. Their art involves teaching Yoga within exhibition spaces, which have included the Dia Center for the Arts, New York and the Kunstverein, Cologne. Combining the modernist ideals of the Bauhaus with the meditative principles of the East, the Grossers formulate a series of theory and practice sessions according to the classical teachings of Sivananda yoga. They continue their on-going project Participating, at the Same Time at the Whitechapel. The audience is invited to take part in breathing exercises and the twelve basic postures and relaxation of yoga. The result confounds expectations of both yoga practice and the etiquette of the art institution so that the oppositions of private and public spaces blur. Performed alongside Liam Gillick's floating architectural structures, Eastern philosophy merges with Western modernity. Structure 11 May 2002, 11am - 1pm Postures (Asanas) work systematically on all parts of the body, stretching and toning the muscles and ligaments. Suspension 25 May 2002, 11am -1pm Breathing exercises (Pranayama) recharge the body and clearify the mental state. Space 8 June 2002, 11am -1pm Becoming aware of muscular tension and relaxing them (Savasan). Abstraction 22 June 2002, 11am - 1pm Meditation (Dyhana) reduces thought by constant observation of the mind. It relieves stress and replenishes energy. Pressetext

Benita & Immanuel Grosser - Participating, at the Same Time
Yoga at the Whitchapel Art Gallery