Some background to CD Primates

In 1997 I exhibited at Kalmar Museum of Art, Sweden, with an exhibition called Primates Society. The exhibition was showing and awakening the instincts in the human being.

From an open window at the entrance the visitors could hear two quarreling voices (hidden loudspeakers). A couple were quarreling very realistically. Many of the visitors were embarrassed. Was it for real? The quarrel also awakened strong feelings, memories from childhood or broken up relationships.

This was the Swedish version of the CD Primates, which was presented as a separate work 1998 when Stockholm was Cultural Capital of Europe. Four Cocacola mashines were placed in the center of Stockholm. From these mashines you could buy art from different artists - like candy.

My interest in what we are behind the polished surfice, has continued. The English version of the CD Primates and this website are the results.

The English version
The English actors, Graham Christopher and Vic Bryson, came over to Sweden and quarelled in my kitchen. This was to get a realistic sound. They got the same instructions and script as the Swedish actors.

This was a description of he, she, they and the story. You can read the script in the Story page. After this script and my instructions they improvised a very realistic and intensive performance.

The question still remain. How far have humans really evolved?

Gunilla Leander
2003