Privilege originated as an Instagram performance centered around a fictional pregnancy but quickly evolved into a mysterious multidisciplinary project. The project included installations reminiscent of the Black Lodge in David Lynch's Twin Peaks, as well as a character inspired by Lynchian aesthetics, Bob the Pigeon.

Ulman utilizes both online and offline platforms to investigate the role of women, particularly pregnant women, in relation to topics such as labor, success, and pain in today's society. Privilege was presented against the backdrop of tumultuous political times, which is still reflected in the work's atmosphere.

A dedicated online exhibition space was created for this show, where artists, speakers, and audiences converge: culturalmatter.li-ma.nl. This new platform, developed by Florian van Zandwijk and Luuk Schipperheyn, serves as both an exhibition and an archive, bringing together the artwork, documentation, and conversations within the Cultural Matter framework.

During the online opening, curator Susan Gibb engaged in a conversation with Ulman, discussing her multidisciplinary approach and the use of fiction in her work. They also explored the performative aspects of both online and offline platforms. The discussion delved into a layered critical and feminist perspective on Ulman's work, followed by a Q&A session that encouraged audience participation and interaction.

The second online conversation featured Ulman and João Laia, the chief curator of exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in Helsinki. Laia's expertise in social sciences, film theory, and contemporary art brought a different direction to the conversation. They extensively discussed Ulman's debut feature film, "El Planeta," in which the artist portrays the leading role and premiered in 2021.

About Amalia Ulman

The work of visual artist Amalia Ulman deals with issues of class, gender and sexuality. She uses elements of performance art alongside installations, video, photography and Internet art. She is considered one of the first artists to enter the world of museums with work created on social media. Solo exhibitions of her work have been held around the world and Excellences and Perfections has been included in numerous group exhibitions, including Performing for the Camera at Tate Modern, London, in 2016. Ulman lives and works in Los Angeles, United States. (updated as of October 2020)

Events

Exhibition: 21 October - 2 December 2020 | 24/7 ONLINE

Event (1) - Online: Cultural Matter: Susan Gibb in conversation with Amalia Ulman | 21 October 2020 

Event (2) - Online: Cultural Matter: João Laia in conversation with Amalia Ulman | 28 October 2020