WARRIOR PENGUINS

Since June 2006, Warrior Penguins are discreetly spread, without authorization, in various cultural places. « My work is about spreading these Warrior Penguins around the world. The aim being to create a repetitive and enigmatic mark. ».

The Warrior Penguins are plasters figurines, 13 inches (33cm) high. They are made from 2 moulds in series of limited edition. They are, with their open eye, the symbol of the Witness. Though it can't act, that silent witness can still change its environment just by the fact that it lays there. The head is like a mask, hiding and protecting at the same time. The figurines wear a sword because they are enrolled in a fight.
                                                                                       

Arranged around a circle, my Warrior Penguins are the figure of resistance and protection. Today, this artwork is designed to point at the situation all over Europe where silent people witness the tightening political actions, which mainly focus on law and order. At a time where censure and autocensure is spreading, I wonder what Europe should be afraid of.

Why the Tate Modern ?
For the beauty of the artworks exhibited here and for the beauty of the place itself. Also because it’s a place where people and artworks are strictely watched over and where only official art is showed.

Do you remember ? Last year, in November, a Warrior Penguin was laid down in the room where Beuys’ car is exhibited. In less than two hours, this Warrior Penguin was spotted and removed. He disappeared, just like an embarrassing witness is often promptly eliminated. At that moment, my modest performance seemed to me utterly laughable. That’s why I decided to set up this installation with dozens of Warrior Penguins, so that this piece of art can meet its audience in a place like the Tate Modern.

Warrior Penguins:  a distinctive feature.
As soon as Warrior Penguins are laid down, everyone is able to take any one of them away. From a mere spectator, everyone turns into an actor – but not an outlaw. Thus, the artwork escapes its relation to money, and invites the audience to spread its meaning.

This work belongs to the public. Please respect it.

Thank you for your attention,
Dalila Dalléas
www.himalaika.com

A few towns and places where Warrior Penguins have already been spread:

Berlin, last July, in various galleries of contemporary art.
Paris, at Musée Guimet and the new Musée du Quai Branly.
London, last november, at the Tate Modern and in various galleries of contemporary art.