Rafal Bujnowski, ‘Visa’ (2004)

Preparing for a studio stay in New York, Bujnowski painted a photo-realistic self-portrait in black and white, had it photographed and enclosed the picture as his official photo in the U.S.A. visa application form. The consulate workers failed to notice the manipulation and, eventually, the artist received a passport with a replica of his own painting. Using this document Rafal has crossed the U.S. border, the project was supplemented by the fact that the artist has attended a pilot’s course, which featured a training flight over Manhattan – this event was recorded by Bujnowski as a video, part of which is shown below.

‘Flying lessons’ (2004)

Thank you, Willum!