Brion Gysin – Influence. Bryon Gysin curated by CM von Hausswolff.

An exhibition compiled by Carl Michael von Hausswolff
Project rooms, Färgfabriken

Over the past few years, artist and itinerant curator CM von Hausswolff has put together a series of exhibitions at Färgfabriken in which he has presented, in a personal way, some of the greatest influences on his own work as an artist.

These exhibitions, featuring such names as Friedrich Jürgensen, Leif Elggren and Rune Lindblad, have become small gems whose importance has been recognised far beyond the borders of Sweden. In connection with Carsten Höller’s show in Färgfabriken’s main hall, Carl Michael von Hausswolff has brought together a number of works by Brion Gysin (1916-1986) which will be shown in the three project rooms.

Brion Gysin’s importance is commonly underestimated and relatively unknown. Artists, writers and composers from the 1950s onward refer to his works. The list includes such names as Paul Bowles, William Burroughs, Gregory Corso, Brian Jones (of the Rolling Stones), Ornette Coleman, Steve Lacy, David Bowie, Nicholas Roeg, Brian Eno, Psychic TV, Coil, The Hafler Trio, Ceryth Wyn-Evans, Carsten Höller, and CM von Hausswolff. As a painter, Gysin developed a calligraphy technique of his own, based on Japanese tradition, which was so refined that William Burroughs wrote in a text about Gysin’s work that “writing is 50 years behind painting”. As a poet, he was one of the pioneers of Sound Poetry with works such as I Am That I Am and Pistol Poem. He also published a number of books, including The Process, The Last Museum and, in collaboration with Burroughs, The Third Mind. Working with Ian Sommerville, a mathematician, he developed the Dreamachine, a brain-wave simulator that stimulates and brings on hallucinations.

CM von Hausswolff met Brion Gysin in the early 1980s and has since been influenced by his work.