Known for bringing the worlds of art and sports together, multidisciplinary artist Paul Pfeiffer debuts his first ever retrospective show in the US at MOCA. Entitled Paul Pfeiffer: Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom, his career as an artist is portrayed through thirty of his works. 

As a pioneer of video art, the exhibition shows a variety of his works from immersive videos, life size sculptures, and architectural installations. His work within the world of sports allows the viewer to grapple with how media, art, and sport all come together, especially in regards to identity. Some of his earliest works excel in a meticulous sense where it was edited frame by frame. These techniques were not utilized before Pfeiffer and are now utilized by many contemporary artists.

“Fundamentally, Pfeiffer gets at the undercurrents of what holds contemporary society together–our collective desires, fears, and sense of belonging," shares Clara Kim, MOCA Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs. "MOCA’s rich history of embracing innovative contemporary art and its commitment to fostering dialogues that resonate with the pulse of our times make it the ideal venue to present Pfeiffer’s thought-provoking explorations of modern society."

Pfeiffer’s work offers a new perspective on the digital age and media. The title of the exhibition Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom refers to Cecil B. DeMille opening remarks for her drama, “Ten Commandments,” a moment necessary for American media studies. Including works from every phase of his career, the exhibit will occupy 20,000 square feet at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. It will be open from November 12 to June 16 2024.

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