Collections
Flor Linckens
Poetic works with a basis in science
This collection connects two of my great intellectual loves: art and science. In the past, I wrote my bachelor's thesis on the scientific revolution and after that, I obtained a master’s in cultural history: not necessarily an obvious combination. Nevertheless, on the basis of these six works of art, I feel confident that these disciplines go hand in hand beautifully. Below, you will find my collection that shows the work of six fantastic artists. As a sidenote, I want to offer some honourable mentions for artists like Itamar Gilboa, Studio Drift, Daan Roosegaarde and Tomáš Libertíny.
0 Media items ᛫ 10 Available artworks
1 Shows ᛫ 0 Highlights ᛫ 0 Recommendations
To me, James Lee Byars's work represents a certain melancholy magic. In the Kunsthalle in Bremen, I held my breath while watching how thin sheets of gold leaf rustled softly in the installation "The Death of James Lee Byars", which was also shown at the Venice Biennale a year earlier. In 1994, Byars had used the installation to stage his own death (he was terminally ill). Gold represented a certain infinity, or eternity in his work. British artist Andrew Webb shares my fascination with Byars and paid homage in this work. Webb used a symbol that Byars was known for: his extremely long sleeves, that, on the one hand, prevented the artist from making hand contact with others (and thus creating an emotional distance) and on the other hand meant that he could no longer use his hands, that are so essential for artists. Webb adds another layer to the work that also refers to a certain infinity in time: the dichotomy paradox of Zeno of Elea, which has inspired and puzzled generations of scientists, including Newton and Aristotle (in "Physics"). This mindblowing paradox (https://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-is-zeno-s-dichotomy-paradox-colm-kelleher) will nearly convince you (using an advanced philosophical knot) that a journey from A to B can last an eternity and as a result, movement does not actually exist.
(Annie Gentils Gallery)
(Annie Gentils Gallery)
2 Media items ᛫ 10 Available artworks
3 Shows ᛫ 1 Highlights ᛫ 0 Recommendations
Kinetic artist Zoro Feigl mastered the laws of physics in order to manipulate them to his own will. Unfortunately, I missed his amazing installation ("Swarming") in Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, but the underlying concept fascinates me immensely. Feigl tries to imitate certain natural processes, but reduces these processes to the absolute minimum. To this end, he works closely with engineers and scientists and he even won a specialist technology prize. The work consists of a gigantic horizontal circle that is attached to the ceiling. The circle has a diameter of four meters and is covered with semi-transparent foil. Hundreds of small balls move softly to the rhythm of the movement, offering the viewer the feeling that a flock of birds is flying over them. For this project, Feigl researched the movements of groups of birds for eight years. Due to the random but deliberately controlled movement of the balls, you always get to see a different configuration, just like you would in nature.
(FRED&FERRY)
(FRED&FERRY)
3 Media items ᛫ 11 Available artworks
9 Shows ᛫ 1 Highlights ᛫ 0 Recommendations
The vibrating lines in Jan van Munster's minimalist neon works are anything but random: they are based on an EEG scan of the artist's brain. This scan measures the brain's electrical activity, which can vary based on short-term behaviour. It fascinated Van Munster, who had the energy waves in his brain measured in various physical states, including hyperventilation. The results of these experiments are still an inspiration for his work. Due to the intensely personal nature of these medical results, you feel even more connected to the artist as a viewer.
(Slewe Gallery, Galerie Ramakers, Galerie van den Berge)
(Slewe Gallery, Galerie Ramakers, Galerie van den Berge)
3 Media items ᛫ 8 Available artworks
6 Shows ᛫ 1 Highlights ᛫ 0 Recommendations
Noor Nuyten's work playfully confronts us with the subjectivity of time. For her projects, Nuyten always relies on thorough research. The results are always surprising. For instance, she made a pair of shoes with the soles placed on backwards: a reference to cultures that consider time in terms of the past instead of the future. In addition, she created a special watch for two art collectors that creates an individual time zone based on their heart rate. The watch you see here, from an edition of 10, also creates a separate time zone for the wearer because on this watch, time passes slightly faster than it should. The effect becomes infinitely more interesting when you can share it with someone, when you get the opportunity to live in the same, secret time zone that no one else can partake in. It is not without reason that the work is called "Let's Meet at 3 O'Clock" (2013).
(Upstream Gallery)
(Upstream Gallery)