SUPERFLEX
SUPERFLEX, an artist’s group hailing from Denmark, often talk about their projects as tools, products or systems that are not the exclusive property of the artists and that only make sense when they are being used or adapted independently by others. Recently they have extended this approach in two ways. Firstly through the development of ideas or strategies as conceptual tools that can be applied to a wide range of situations. Secondly, the idea of the art world itself as a tool that (whether or not you believe it) has a value in and of itself and that can be used to serve diverse ends far beyond the traditional system of galleries, collectors, dealers and museums.
SUPERFLEX's projects demonstrate a changed understanding of artistic practice. Their starting point is a heterogeneous, complex society. When they assemble not only the project and development team, but also the users, they take into account the specific interests of individual groups, their different opportunities for articulation, their interests and projections.
FREE BEER applies contemporary free software models - which can be modified, improved and shared - to a traditional, globally available product - beer. By offering the ingredients or ‘source code’of a usually highly guarded recipe, the project prompts the consumer to consider the wider possibilities of ‘open source’ systems from both practical and philosophical perspectives.
Previously promoted in the context of art openings and parties, and produced on a limited scale, SUPERFLEX have extended this project through collaboration with St Austell Brewery.
FREE BEER Version 3.2 available in the café at Tate St Ives priced £2.95/ Take Out £2.40.
DOWNLOAD THE RECIPE FOR FREEBEER HERE.
Why not make your own version of FREEBEER using this recipe and send us your adapted recipe to info@projectbase.org.uk Enjoy!
More photographs of the FREEBEER project for social systems can be found in the Image Bank
Visit the following websites to find out more about SUPERFLEX and the FREEBEER project.
www.superflex.net
www.freebeer.org
In association with Tate St Ives, Tate Catering and St Austell Brewery. FREEBEER has been supported by St Austell Brewery, Tate St Ives Members, Henry Moore Foundation, Arts Council England South West, Danish Embassy, London.
Images courtesy of the artists www.superflex.net
