Helmut Smits’ work is characterised by small and direct statements, often realised through simple interventions in daily life, whereby any situation can give rise to a work. For Team Building , Smits adapts the rules of football by applying a controversial team selection procedure. After an interactive exhibition tour, teams for a football game – which took place on a specially arranged pitch in TENT’s gymnasium – were chosen based on a questionnaire. By basing the selection process on individual appearances and personal information, the participants’ lack of influence on the choices made became apparent.
This active (art) experience concluded with a conversation about value and how the artistic context contributes to this theme’s discussion. Together with the school students, the relationship between their football game and the content of The Value of Nothing exhibition was examined.