On March 19, 2019, A4 Art Museum, in collaboration with the Sculpture Department of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, hosted a screening event titled “Signers Koffer.” Video and film are the primary mediums through which Roman Signer creates and showcases his work, often with his own involvement as the writer, director, and actor. The screening featured video works from 1975-1989 as well as more recent pieces, capturing scenes of everyday life that are mundane, absurd, yet filled with imaginative moments. These works, much like items packed in a suitcase, are aptly encapsulated under the name “Roman’s Suitcase.” His pieces, especially his early works, frequently employed the Super 8 camera (8mm film) and were often filmed with the help of his family. The technical limitations did not diminish the power of his work; in fact, over the years, his family and close friends became the primary audience for his art. Despite intentionally distancing himself from the mainstream art world, Signer has become a uniquely distinguished artist in Switzerland, celebrated as a national treasure. Through this hour-long screening and the subsequent discussion, participants gained a deeper understanding of Signer’s creative background, artistic trajectory, and the influence of his work.
