Film screening: Lawrence Weiner, A FIRST QUARTER, 1973

Benjamin H.D. Buchloh: “What about the usage of language in your first film, A FIRST QUARTER (1973)?”

Lawrence Weiner: “It is a pretty movie, it is my Godard movie.”

(Benjamin H.D. Buchloh in conversation with Lawrence Weiner, Phaidon Press, New York, 1998)
 

Lawrence Weiner and Mel Kendrick at the set of A FIRST QUARTER, 1973
(© Estate Lawrence Weiner)

A FIRST QUARTER was Weiner’s first feature film and fits within his broader practice, in which his work takes on a variety of forms. In making the film, Weiner explored the possibilities of this medium and how they differ from video – a format that had previously enabled him, like many of his contemporaries, to question the way his work was presented.

A FIRST QUARTER, draws on techniques from the nouvelle vague and consists of works by Weiner that are spoken, read, written and painted by the performers. The classic cinematic narrative is thus radically disrupted.

16mm, B/W, 85 min., sound
Produced by Leo Castelli Gallery, New York and Jack Wendler, London
 

Practical details

• Entrance via Coupure Links 627 A
• Seats are limited
• The film screening starts at 4 p.m. sharp. We kindly ask to register at the reception desk of Herbert Foundation 15 minutes before the start of the filmscreening.

• Admission fee: €4 – buy your ticket
• Visit of the current exhibition of Lawrence Weiner is not included in the price. These tickets can be purchased at the reception desk of Herbert Foundation on the day itself.