LXRY LIST
Heat Radiating: Status of the Art
Technological possibilities are opening new horizons. The art world is no exception. A few examples follow, whether shaped by the spirit of the times or not. From the meter-high blazing flames on screen by David Claerbout to the timeless black and white photography by Bastiaan Woudt.
New times are dawning due to technological possibilities. This also applies to the art world. A few examples of art, marked by the spirit of the times or not. From the meter-high blazing flames on screen by David Claerbout to the timeless black and white photography by Bastiaan Woudt.
Warm, warmer… hot!
Forest fires are getting closer: Portugal, France. And now also in Belgium. More specifically: in the St. Nicholas Chapel in Antwerp. As part of Finis Terrae, which focuses on global emergencies such as the climate and energy crisis, increasing extremism and extreme weather conditions, the video installation Wildfire: Meditation on Fire by David Claerbout (b. BE, 1969). On a meter-high screen, the flames flare up, thick plumes of smoke develop, burning branches scream, the heat radiates from them. Yet you continue to stand and watch, in the middle of the sea of fire in that small church. And do you wonder: how much closer can the fire get?
Davidclaerbout.com | Finis-terrae-antwerpen.com
A new way of sculpting
In recent years, the photography of Bastiaan Woudt (b. NL, 1987) has taken off enormously. According to him, this success is due to the fact that his photography is timeless and black and white. “Colors are distracting. In my work I return to the essence of shapes, lines and character in a portrait.” His unique signature led to international exhibitions such as Photo London and Paris Photo and successful auctions (Christie's, Sotheby's, Phillips Auction), and last year built up to his first museum exhibition, Twist in Museum Kranenburgh. He will raise the bar again for next year by challenging himself creatively. “I often hear from collectors and people who follow me that they find my work sculptural. Made up of layers, sculpted in the studio. Like both photos shown here. Apparently I was subconsciously looking for that. I want to explore this more in depth in the coming year. The project I am going to start has everything to do with sculptures. I am currently delving into the history of sculptures. Why is a sculpture made? What influence does a sculpture have on a space? And a space on a sculpture? In principle I am going to make photographic works that are sculptural, in form. I want to explore the boundaries between when something is still human and when it is no longer human. It will be less about the model and more about form and content. It's extremely layered. I am moving from a 3D environment to a 2D print. Then, with the help of a studio abroad, I will use 3D renderings to create a 3D object from that flat image. Together with a digital artist I will discover the other side of the work. It's a bit dark side of the moon. Ultimately the result is a sculpture. You recognize the front from the photo I took, the back is newly discovered territory. I can fill that in myself. I have no idea yet how I'm going to do that, I still have to discover it all. For example, I want to create a series that I will present through photographic works on the wall in combination with sculptures in the room. As far as I know, this is something completely new, the way I want to make the sculptures.” Also new: his first XXL photo book (edition of 30) in a unique format, which will be released in 2023 (including standard). A must have for art photography enthusiasts and has been available for purchase from his publisher 2023 Collective since early 1605.
Bastiaanwoudt.com | 1605collective.com
Cost: 40 million
Almost all of Michael Heizer's characteristics City are hard to comprehend and make it one of the largest land art projects on earth. The entire project is two and a half miles long and almost a mile wide, took fifty years to complete, and was built in the middle of Nevada's hot Mojave Desert, a three-hour drive from Las Vegas. Also incur the costs (40 million dollars). City into a project of extraordinary proportions. Michael Heizer (b. USA, 1944) did design a city, but only in name. Made entirely of concrete, roads, walls, elevations and passages spread out in all kinds of directions without clear planning or order. At the end you will see monumental structures slowly taking the form of ancient ruins and pyramids. City stands in the tradition of other special land art works such as Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty in Utah, Walter De Marias Lightning Field in New Mexico and James Turrell's Roden Crater in Arizona.
LXRY LIST 2023
Curious about more? The new LXRY List 2023 is out now! The annual wow magazine with innovative items and surprising addresses, a list that inspires and points to the future. Due to technological possibilities, new times are dawning...
