In his work Wannes Goetschalckx (1978, Zoersel) investigates the emotional versus the physical, or the ideological and the hypothetical in relation to the body and space. His oeuvre is a combination of videos, objects and performances in a sculptural setting which are occupied, explored and transformed by his interventions. In his performative installations, the limitations and possibilities of his body, hand-made objects and his own specific visual language play an important role. By imposing physical and mental challenges on his body and mind, he makes us think about our behaviour and place in the world.
Video installation
1 WITHOUT
On show in Belgium for the first time is Goetschalckx’ video installation 1 WITHOUT, which he made for the Liverpool Biennial in 2010. The installation consists of eleven monitors on plinths spread out over the gallery. In the videos the artist performs everyday actions and rituals like walking, counting, whistling, eating, drinking, sleeping, bathing and moving to and fro on a swing, all in hermetic isolation in an enclosed space. These actions make us stop and think about the patterns and habits we develop in our daily lives and about their wearying repetitiveness.
Another recent work by Wannes Goetschalckx on show at M is Toothpick made during his residency at the Casino Luxemburg in the autumn of 2011. The starting point for this project was a 14-metre-high poplar tree from which he cut a toothpick with his own hands, layer by layer and without resorting to industrial equipment. This physically demanding and time-consuming task highlights the artist’s respect for the majestic powers of nature. M showed the end result, i.e. the toothpick and the video documenting the process, alongside other work, including new work the artist has made specially for M.
Wannes Goetschalckx is also showing new work at M. One to Tree is a video recording of a three-day performance by the artist at Buda arts centre in Kortrijk (May 2010). The sculpture Work can be seen at the window in the corridor (Gallery 29).
Een maandelijkse update van wat er in M te beleven valt?
Op de hoogte blijven van alle initiatieven, activiteiten en tentoonstellingen van M? Schrijf je hieronder in op de nieuwsbrief en dan zorgen wij op onze beurt voor jouw maandelijkse portie nieuws van M.
