Peter Weibel

The closed-circuit video installation »Kruzifikation der Identität« [Crucification of Identity] consists of a cross covered with black sandpaper containing a camera, two sensors (electro-optical circuits), and a monitor. The camera only turns on when you stand on the small platform, exactly in the center, and the spotlight behind you casts your shadow on the cross. To bring your image up on the screen, you need to spread your arms out; the shadow of your arms then falls on the two sensors which release the camera’s image to the monitor. Only in this cross pose can you look at yourself on the screen in the cross. If you let your arms sink, the image on the screen disappears. Replicating the form of the cross, the symbol of Western culture par excellence, which in Christianity stands for the relationship between God and humankind, is the trigger that allows you to see your picture on television. »You only recognize yourself in the cross.« A philosopheme on identity critique.