On the afternoon of October 24, 2025, the second session of "Collection Insights" — a series of academic activities under the "Interflowing Artscape: CAFAM International Exchange Research Exhibition from the Collection" — was successfully held in the conference room of CAFA Art Museum. This lecture was delivered by Professor Li Xiaonan, Director of the Art Studies Department at the School of Arts, Renmin University of China, with the theme "The Process History of Matter: The Art of Roman Signer and Beyond". It was hosted by Gao Gao, Deputy Director of CAFA Art Museum, and planned and participated in by Dr. Hu Xiaolan, co-curator of the "Interflowing Artscapes" exhibition.
Gao Gao, Deputy Director of CAFA Art Museum, hosted this lecture
The lecture began with Professor Li Xiaonan's memory of her first encounter with Signer's works—at Signer's solo exhibition held at CAFA Art Museum in 2014. She mentioned that the resonance sparked by pure interest allowed her to instantly perceive the unique humor, poetry, and profundity in Signer's art. In this lecture, she specifically started from the overall impression brought by Signer's works, hoping that the audience could also feel the most direct visual charm and creative interest in Signer's works.
Exhibition Poster for
"Roman Signer: Videos and Films 1975–1989 and Now"
Held at CAFA Art Museum in 2014
The speaker, Professor Li Xiaonan
Starting with an introduction to Roman Signer's works in the collection of CAFA Art Museum, Professor Li Xiaonan traced the origins from the perspective of art history research, reviewed Signer's creative process, and further discussed the unique value of Signer's art in the development of contemporary art.
Unfolding, Roman Signer, 2014, 1 minute 42 seconds, Video
Collection of CAFA Art Museum
西格纳的创作最突出的特点，在于他始终利用自然力与物质运动的规则来展开实践，这些看似关于“失败“的作品，实则构成了一种对作者或大师作品的反对。回到西格纳观念与方法论的形成初期，自20世纪70年代开始系统性创作以来，西格纳的作品始终围绕物质、力与时间的关系展开，虽尚未形成后期成熟风格，但已可见其基本取向。其中，对物质性的重视源自当时雕塑领域极少主义及后极少主义启发，而对物理原理与作用力的独特运用，则更多源于他个人的兴趣与经历。同时，他也受到瑞士本土的活动雕塑家丁格力的影响，将时间维度纳入到创作中。
我的体重
重力与下落高度的描绘 1972
在这一阶段，“重力”成为他最早关注并持续探索的作用力。《我的体重》将与自己体重相等的铁块压在泡沫上，形态随时间的推移而缓慢变化；而《重力与下落高度的描绘》则直接记录了身体重量在软泥上留下的印记。从这些作品也能看出过程性与观念性思想对其创作的影响。
《力》 1977 木板、橡皮筋
《疲劳》 橡皮筋 铁 1978
此外，西格纳对不同作用力的痴迷，同样体现在《力》与《疲劳》等以橡皮筋为媒介的作品中。这些作品通过材料自身的弹性疲乏，探讨了“弹力在时间中的缓慢消散”这一物理过程。
沙梯 1973
而在以沙、水等流体为材料的创作中，他进一步展示了同一重力原理下形态的无限可能。《沙柱》可被视为“力在时间中的显形”，记录了下落过程中重力的瞬时痕迹。
《沙体》水桶、沙、橡皮筋 1979
《沙体》则通过沙桶下落与橡皮筋收紧之间的力学联动，建构出作用力的悖论，令人联想到超现实主义画家玛格丽特绘画中反复出现的关于肯定形式与否定形式的悖论。
1971 《水梯》
《水与冰》1976
《水梯》中，水流在重力牵引下仿佛具有了自主的“生命感”；《水与冰》则通过悬挂于树干的塑料袋，记录水体从液态到固态的转变。西格纳称自己的作品为“时间雕塑”，也是对这类早期作品颇为贴切的形容。
进入20世纪80至90年代的创作高峰，西格纳逐渐摆脱了早期极少主义的形式束缚，转而将日常生活中的寻常物件纳入其艺术语言。“爆破”成为西格纳最广为人知的创作标签，也是他更为激进的组织时间与变化的方式 。爆破本质上是一个持续施加力直至突破临界点、引发突变的过程。在《box1》和《高台、桌子》中，爆破穿越物体的不同形态，带来看似幽默实则暴力的结局。
在《下沉》等作品中，他的探索从重力延伸至浮力，他让不可能浮起的桌子漂浮，又或是记录冰面逐步碎裂、人最终落水的瞬间，展现了自然力作用下的危险与幽默；《Briefcase》中一个被绳索系住的手提箱，被重物拽坠入河中，则捕捉了状态突然改变的戏剧性瞬间。
Tics mit Raketen,1993
西格纳还创作出一系列在火箭推动下而运动的物体，《Tics mit Raketen》在推进器作用下腾空而起的椅子，在极短时间内产生出预料之外的种种姿态，成为复杂的“瞬间雕塑”。
Stool 1982/1983
而在行为性更强的《Stool》中，西格纳亲自坐在一把装有火箭的椅子上，以身体的重量与点燃的推进器相抗衡，用肉身阻止了椅子的腾空。最终，火箭的动能只在地面留下四圈燃烧后的焦痕。这一行动不仅是对物理规则的直接对抗，更因艺术家身体的介入，强化了作品中的抵抗意味。
李笑男教授进而指出，西格纳的作品之所以令人印象深刻，正在于其中承载着强烈的生命能量。若借用艺术史家阿比·瓦尔堡的观点，人类生命能量的传递总是在沉静与骚动这两极之间摆动，而西格纳正是通过象征性的方式，将这种极性的生命能量置换为视觉形式。西格纳作品中那些在升腾与坠落、静与动之间的物体姿态带给人们的感动，恰恰是情念形式的当代体现。
李笑男教授也着重分析了西格纳创作中的时间性。她指出，这种张力与极性的游戏必须在时间中展开。西格纳并非简单地记录事件，他对控制、记录和剪辑的极度重视，使影像本身成为独立的、完整的作品。他的作品因此包含了三个时间层次：物质过程真实发生的“现场时间”、经剪辑重构的“影像时间”，以及观众携自身经验介入的“观看时间”。这三层时间在动态中碰撞，使图像意义具备多元决定的开放性。
在论及作品的审美特质时，李笑男教授强调，幽默与诗意在西格纳的作品中是一体共生的。无论是《Burostuhl》中办公室椅子随火箭的原地旋转，还是《安全帽》的突然发射，都令人莞尔。她指出，这种幽默并非浅层戏谑，而是源于对日常物的重新激活，其艺术不在于对物体的迷恋，而在于激活它们的内在生命。他的许多作品，如椅子最终坠落、烟花必然熄灭，都被视为一种“关于失败的诗学”，在短暂的升腾后回归宿命，这种在失败中展现的优雅，构成了其诗意的重要部分。
讲座活动现场
最后，李笑男教授将西格纳置于更广阔的艺术图景中审视，他与80年代后西方主流艺术运动，如激进行为艺术、新表现主义绘画或关系美学等，始终保持一种疏离。他的作品不依赖社会性叙事，亦抗拒符号化的过度阐释，其力量来源于对物质世界最本真、最直接的互动与观察。讲座还以几位中国当代艺术家的实践为参照，在跨文化的对话中，进一步凸显了西格纳艺术创作的独特性与其普适的启发意义。
本次讲座通过系统性地梳理其创作脉络，揭示了罗曼·西格纳如何以其独特的“物质的过程史”，在当代艺术中构建了一个既严谨又充满童趣、既深刻又愉悦的独立世界。
宗文天/文
讲座信息
文化和旅游部“2025年全国美术馆馆藏精品展出季”项目
流动的艺域——中央美术学院美术馆藏国际艺术交流研究展
主办：中央美术学院美术馆
讲座时间：2025年10月24日 14:00-15:30
展览地点：中央美术学院美术馆 会议室
主编 / 何一沙
责编 /杜隐珠
编辑 / 晏宇希
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(3) Geographical Scope of Use
The applicable geographic scope is global.
The media in which the portraiture may be used encompasses any media that does not infringe upon Party A’s portraiture rights (e.g., magazines and the internet).
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Use in perpetuity.
IV. Licensing Fees
The fees for images bearing Party A’s likeness will be undertaken by Party B.
After completion, Party B does not need to pay any fees to Party A for images bearing Party A’s likeness.
Additional Terms
(1) All matters not discussed in this agreement shall be resolved through friendly negotiation between both parties. Both parties may then sign a supplementary agreement, provided it does not violate any laws or regulations.
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CAFA Art Museum Publication Authorization Agreement
I fully agree to CAFA Art Museum (CAFAM) submitting to CAFA for publication the images, pictures, texts, writings, and event products (such as works created during participation in workshops) related to me from my participation in public events (including museum member events) organized by the CAFA Art Museum Public Education Department. CAFA can publish these materials by electronic, web, or other digital means, and I hereby agree to be included in the China Knowledge Resource Bank, the CAFA Database, the CAFA Art Museum Database, and related data, documentation, and filing institutions and platforms. Regarding their use in CAFA and dissemination on the internet, I agree to make use of these rights according to the stated Rules.
CAFA Art Museum Event Safety Disclaimer
Article I
This event was organized on the principles of fairness, impartiality, and voluntary participation and withdrawal. Participants undertake all risk and liability for themselves. All events have risks, and participants must be aware of the risks related to their chosen event.
Article II
Event participants must abide by the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, as well as moral and ethical norms. All participants must demonstrate good character, respect for others, friendship, and a willingness to help others.
Article III
Event participants should be adults (people 18 years or older with full civil legal capacity). Underage persons must be accompanied by an adult.
Article IV
Event participants undertake all liability for their personal safety during the event, and event participants are encouraged to purchase personal safety insurance. Should an accident occur during an event, persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for the accident, but both have the obligation to provide assistance. Event participants should actively organize and implement rescue efforts, but do not undertake any legal or economic liability for the accident itself. The museum does not undertake civil or joint liability for the personal safety of event participants.
Article V
During the event, event participants should respect the order of the museum event and ensure the safety of the museum site, the artworks in displays, exhibitions, and collections, and the derived products. If an event causes any degree of loss or damage to the museum site, space, artworks, or derived products due to an individual, persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for losses. The event participant must negotiate and provide compensation according to the relevant legal statutes and museum rules. The museum may sue for legal and financial liability.
Article VI
Event participants will participate in the event under the guidance of museum staff and event leaders or instructors and must correctly use the painting tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities provided for the event. If a participant causes injury or harm to him/herself or others while using the painting tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities, or causes the damage or destruction of the tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities, the event participant must undertake all related liability and provide compensation for the financial losses. Persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for personal accidents.
CAFA Art Museum Portraiture Rights Licensing Agreement
According to The Advertising Law of the People’s Republic of China, The General Principles of the Civil Law of the People’s Republic of China, and The Provisional Opinions of the Supreme People’s Court on Some Issues Related to the Full Implementation of the General Principles of the Civil Law of the People’s Republic of China, and upon friendly negotiation, Party A and Party B have arrived at the following agreement regarding the use of works bearing Party A’s image in order to clarify the rights and obligations of the portrait licenser (Party A) and the user (Party B):
I. General Provisions
(1) Party A is the portraiture rights holder in this agreement. Party A voluntarily licenses its portraiture rights to Party B for the purposes stipulated in this agreement and permitted by law.
(2) Party B (CAFA Art Museum) is a specialized, international modern art museum. CAFA Art Museum keeps pace with the times, and works to create an open, free, and academic space and atmosphere for positive interaction with groups, corporations, institutions, artists, and visitors. With CAFA’s academic research as a foundation, the museum plans multi-disciplinary exhibitions, conferences, and public education events with participants from around the world, providing a platform for exchange, learning, and exhibition for CAFA’s students and instructors, artists from around the world, and the general public. As a public institution, the primary purposes of CAFA Art Museum’s public education events are academic and beneficial to society.
(3) Party B will photograph all CAFA Public Education Department events for Party A.
II. Content, Forms of Use, and Geographical Scope of Use
(1) Content. The content of images taken by Party B bearing Party A’s likeness include: ① CAFA Art Museum ② CAFA campus ③ All events planned or executed by the CAFAM Public Education Department.
(2) Forms of Use. For use in CAFA’s publications, products with CDs, and promotional materials.
(3) Geographical Scope of Use
The applicable geographic scope is global.
The media in which the portraiture may be used encompasses any media that does not infringe upon Party A’s portraiture rights (e.g., magazines and the internet).
III. Term of Portraiture Rights Use
Use in perpetuity.
IV. Licensing Fees
The fees for images bearing Party A’s likeness will be undertaken by Party B.
After completion, Party B does not need to pay any fees to Party A for images bearing Party A’s likeness.
Additional Terms
(1) All matters not discussed in this agreement shall be resolved through friendly negotiation between both parties. Both parties may then sign a supplementary agreement, provided it does not violate any laws or regulations.
(2) This agreement comes into effect on the date that it is signed (sealed) and the relevant boxes are selected by Party A and Party B.
(3) This agreement exists in paper and electronic forms. The paper form is made in duplicate, with Party A and Party B each retaining one copy with the same legal efficacy.
Event participants implicitly accept and undertake all the obligations stated in this agreement. Those who do not consent will be seen as abandoning the right to participate in this event. Before participating in this event, please speak to your family members to obtain their consent and inform them of this disclaimer. After participants sign/check the required box, participants and their families will be seen as having read and agreed to these terms.
I have carefully read and agree to the above provisions.
CAFA Art Museum Publication Authorization Agreement
I fully agree to CAFA Art Museum (CAFAM) submitting to CAFA for publication the images, pictures, texts, writings, and event products (such as works created during participation in workshops) related to me from my participation in public events (including museum member events) organized by the CAFA Art Museum Public Education Department. CAFA can publish these materials by electronic, web, or other digital means, and I hereby agree to be included in the China Knowledge Resource Bank, the CAFA Database, the CAFA Art Museum Database, and related data, documentation, and filing institutions and platforms. Regarding their use in CAFA and dissemination on the internet, I agree to make use of these rights according to the stated Rules.
CAFA Art Museum Event Safety Disclaimer
Article I
This event was organized on the principles of fairness, impartiality, and voluntary participation and withdrawal. Participants undertake all risk and liability for themselves. All events have risks, and participants must be aware of the risks related to their chosen event.
Article II
Event participants must abide by the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, as well as moral and ethical norms. All participants must demonstrate good character, respect for others, friendship, and a willingness to help others.
Article III
Event participants should be adults (people 18 years or older with full civil legal capacity). Underage persons must be accompanied by an adult.
Article IV
Event participants undertake all liability for their personal safety during the event, and event participants are encouraged to purchase personal safety insurance. Should an accident occur during an event, persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for the accident, but both have the obligation to provide assistance. Event participants should actively organize and implement rescue efforts, but do not undertake any legal or economic liability for the accident itself. The museum does not undertake civil or joint liability for the personal safety of event participants.
Article V
During the event, event participants should respect the order of the museum event and ensure the safety of the museum site, the artworks in displays, exhibitions, and collections, and the derived products. If an event causes any degree of loss or damage to the museum site, space, artworks, or derived products due to an individual, persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for losses. The event participant must negotiate and provide compensation according to the relevant legal statutes and museum rules. The museum may sue for legal and financial liability.
Article VI
Event participants will participate in the event under the guidance of museum staff and event leaders or instructors and must correctly use the painting tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities provided for the event. If a participant causes injury or harm to him/herself or others while using the painting tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities, or causes the damage or destruction of the tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities, the event participant must undertake all related liability and provide compensation for the financial losses. Persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for personal accidents.
CAFA Art Museum Portraiture Rights Licensing Agreement
According to The Advertising Law of the People’s Republic of China, The General Principles of the Civil Law of the People’s Republic of China, and The Provisional Opinions of the Supreme People’s Court on Some Issues Related to the Full Implementation of the General Principles of the Civil Law of the People’s Republic of China, and upon friendly negotiation, Party A and Party B have arrived at the following agreement regarding the use of works bearing Party A’s image in order to clarify the rights and obligations of the portrait licenser (Party A) and the user (Party B):
I. General Provisions
(1) Party A is the portraiture rights holder in this agreement. Party A voluntarily licenses its portraiture rights to Party B for the purposes stipulated in this agreement and permitted by law.
(2) Party B (CAFA Art Museum) is a specialized, international modern art museum. CAFA Art Museum keeps pace with the times, and works to create an open, free, and academic space and atmosphere for positive interaction with groups, corporations, institutions, artists, and visitors. With CAFA’s academic research as a foundation, the museum plans multi-disciplinary exhibitions, conferences, and public education events with participants from around the world, providing a platform for exchange, learning, and exhibition for CAFA’s students and instructors, artists from around the world, and the general public. As a public institution, the primary purposes of CAFA Art Museum’s public education events are academic and beneficial to society.
(3) Party B will photograph all CAFA Public Education Department events for Party A.
II. Content, Forms of Use, and Geographical Scope of Use
(1) Content. The content of images taken by Party B bearing Party A’s likeness include: ① CAFA Art Museum ② CAFA campus ③ All events planned or executed by the CAFAM Public Education Department.
(2) Forms of Use. For use in CAFA’s publications, products with CDs, and promotional materials.
(3) Geographical Scope of Use
The applicable geographic scope is global.
The media in which the portraiture may be used encompasses any media that does not infringe upon Party A’s portraiture rights (e.g., magazines and the internet).
III. Term of Portraiture Rights Use
Use in perpetuity.
IV. Licensing Fees
The fees for images bearing Party A’s likeness will be undertaken by Party B.
After completion, Party B does not need to pay any fees to Party A for images bearing Party A’s likeness.
Additional Terms
(1) All matters not discussed in this agreement shall be resolved through friendly negotiation between both parties. Both parties may then sign a supplementary agreement, provided it does not violate any laws or regulations.
(2) This agreement comes into effect on the date that it is signed (sealed) and the relevant boxes are selected by Party A and Party B.
(3) This agreement exists in paper and electronic forms. The paper form is made in duplicate, with Party A and Party B each retaining one copy with the same legal efficacy.
Event participants implicitly accept and undertake all the obligations stated in this agreement. Those who do not consent will be seen as abandoning the right to participate in this event. Before participating in this event, please speak to your family members to obtain their consent and inform them of this disclaimer. After participants sign/check the required box, participants and their families will be seen as having read and agreed to these terms.
I have carefully read and agree to the above provisions.
