Paul McCarthy’s VR experiment (WIP) is a selection of his major project ‘A&E’ (2019), which spans a variety of media. The project takes the form of a series of films, several drawing sessions and a collection of virtual realities (VR). ‘A&E’ is both a reference to Adolf & Eva and Adam & Eva – two cultural cliché polarities. ‘A&E’ can also stand for ‘Arts & Entertainment’ (ed .: ‘arts and entertainment’). All three references function as recognisable human cultural signs.

The work features visual artist Paul McCarthy as Adolf Hitler / Adam and actress Lilith Stangenberg as Eva Braun / Eva. In this virtual reality, Adolf and Eva exist in many versions in an alternately animated landscape, where they wander in circles and repeat absurd violent acts.

The hybrid reality questions our state and way of life. At a time when the uglier sides of the United States are seen more clearly than ever, McCarthy exhibits the decay of norms and conventions.

The exhibition is made in a collaboration between Paul McCarthy, Viborg Kunsthal, Khora Contemporary and The Animation Workshop. It is presented in collaboration with Viborg Animations Festival.

© Paul McCarthy and Khora Contemporary
Courtesy of the artist, Hauser & Wirth and Khora Contemporary