Program Notes - Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago

Signs of rout, pursuit and rage
of antagonistic, aberrant, asymmetric surges
non-critical signs, but detour with detour and racing
with racing
signs not for a zoology
but for the figure of unbridled demons
the accompanists of our actions and the challengers of our reserve
Signs of ten thousand ways to find balance in this moving
world that laughs at adaptation
signs especially to extricate your being from the trap of the language of others
made to win against you, like a well-balanced wheel
which leaves you only a few lucky shots
and ruin and defeat to finish
that were written there ahead of time
for you, for all
Signs not of going backwards
but to better “cross the line” at any instant
signs not like you rethink
but like you drive
or, as happens in a big jam
when unconscious automaton, you feel piloted
Signs, not to be complete
but to be faithful to the transitory
not to combine
but to find the gift of tongues
your own at least, if not your own, who will speak it?
Direct writing finally for unwinding
for the relief of shapes,
for the decluttering of images
with which the public space-brain is particularly congested at this time
For want of an aura, at least disperse its fragrance.
Henri Michaux, 1951
Translation © Howard Scott
With the permission of the rights holders Henri Michaux and Editions Gallimard