In his most recent films Dutch artist Erik van Lieshout collaborated closely with actor Marien Jongewaard. For his performance in Vienna on the 20th of May, Erik van Lieshout has invited his filmic double to perform a monologue in van Lieshout’s name, concerning the artist’s dilemma as an actor portraying himself. The public is also being offered the possibility of viewing Jail during WWTBD – What WouldThomas Bernhard Do. Van Lieshout’s understanding of himself as an artist is based on the conviction that he interacts with society as a subject, and that as a result, he has a responsibility towards it. The filmic techniques he uses involve the collage process of stop-motion film – an intentional series of choppy still images. This makes the process-orientated nature of his work clear as time unfolds. Formal cross-references to the art movement De Stijl are intended as a reminder of the recurring political problems the Netherlands have had, for example, at the beginning of the 20th century, and how that affected art and culture.
Erik van Lieshout, Jail, 2012, Video, 15 Min, courtesy Erik van Lieshout; Galerie Krinzinger, Wien.
in English
Erik van Lieshout (*1968) is an artist. He lives and works in Rotterdam. Van Lieshout has participated in various exhibitions, including at Ludwig Museum Cologne, and at MMK in Frankfurt. In 2013 he will participate in the 55th Venice Biennale.