Works & Process - Francis Alÿs (Boîte)

'Wide Details, on the traces of Francis Alÿs" a film by Julien Devaux and several documents. (2 hours of program) 1/ "Wide Details, on the traces of Francis Alÿs" (56'), is a documentary that tackles the vital flows in Mexico City's historical centre through the eyes of the artist Alÿs himself. Structured around interviews with his acquaintances and friends (critics, neighbourhood friends, collaborators, curators) the documentary catches a glimpse of the relationship Francis himself establishes within the various circles he moves in daily.
The director, Julien Devaux, did not intend to create a portrait but to focus onto the artist's creative process and his work. Mexico City's centre is the setting for Francis's strolls, a place where paradoxical images are interpreted as valuable elements for reflection. Starting in the heart of Mexico City, the film then follows the artist in his travels and projects in London, Berlin, Lima and Jerusalem.
(Subtitles : English. Espanol, Français, Nederlands, Deutsch, Português). 2/ Interview with Carlos Monsivais, 2005 (22'). Interview of the popular Mexican writer about Alÿs and the historical centre of Mexico City. (Original language : Spanish / Espanol - Subtitles : English, Français). 3/ The Collector, 2006 (19'). A video of Francis Alÿs dragging his "Collector" through the streets of Mexico City by night.
4/ Le temps du sommeil, 2008 (9'). An introduction by Canadian curator Kitty Scott to Francis Alÿs's work through the series of paintings "Le temps du sommeil". (Original language : Engljsh). 5/ The Thief, 1999. The screensaver made by Francis Alÿs, a part of the series of artists' web projects commissioned by the Dia Art Foundation available for download.