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Everyday Gallery presentsAs Slow As Possible
a Solo by Tom Volkaert
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Because this world is so untrue
a Solo by Daan Gielis
Two artists. Two exhibitions. Two formal languages. Tom Volkaert's sculptures are made from epoxy and steel and it is their size that makes them impressive. Gielis' bronze and ceramic figurines, on the other hand, are intriguing precisely because of their introverted smallness. Gielis' sharply defined neon sculptures are almost repulsive due to their appealing colors. Volkaert's amorphous shapes and steel cut-outs are appealing because of their repulsive color schemes.
And yet: in spite of the apparent difference between the formal language of Gielis and Volkaert, these artists share an attitude; or even what one might call a counter-language.
What might a counter-language be? The visual language that Gielis and Volkaert have each developed in their own way often refers to an underground culture that escapes the mainstream of the art world. Skate and hardcore in the work of Gielis, obscure gore and old sci-fi B-movies in the work of Volkaert. The many references to these subcultures can be understood as multitimbral voices that oppose and escape the dominant traditions of the art world. However, the real meaning and expressiveness that Gielis and Volkaert derive from these references only emerge once they are positioned within the interpretative field of the art world. It is only when interacting with a community of viewers for whom this visual language and references take on a new and artistic dimension that they truly become part of a work of art. This is the moment that meaning becomes unstable: we both recognize the underground references and are also unable to grasp them fully. As a result, these works acquire enigmatic quality.
Paradoxically, to achieve this effect Gielis and Volkaert need to let go of - and perhaps even betraying - the underground they so cherish. And at the same time, betrayal is always lurking in the art world too; after all, this world not only consists of an intimate community of viewers, but also exists (and even originated) from commerce.
In the work they created together and that brings the two exhibitions together, Gielis and Volkaert describe this paradox as "haat voor het veld (hatred for the field)". But let here be no mistake: this is also about self-hatred; about hatred for how the art world is being eaten up by the art market, and hatred for how the artists themselves are trapped in that world. The red neon letters of Haat voor de Veld (2020) somehow neutralize and obliviate the toxic, spit-green colored pool in the background - just as Gielis and Volkaert’s art pushes away the underground culture that they thrive upon, and vice versa.
Still, hate is certainly not at the core of these two exhibitions. On the contrary. Underneath the hatred we find determination and vulnerability. Volkaert's giant snail moves as slowly as possible and carries its own world on its back, extremely vulnerable but always ready to withdraw into its own shell and wait patiently. The old man of Gielis, drags the world behind him like a heavy burden, melancholic and crutching his shoulders. Incredibly slow, the old man moves on, and so does the world in his wake. It is as if Gielis and Volkaert are saying that in spite of all the hatred, art carries this world and makes living in it bearable.
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Jos Smolderenstraat 18
2000 Antwerp
[email protected]
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The health and safety of our visitors, team, and artists come first. In order to make sure you enjoy your visit with peace of mind, we have put in place the following measures:
/ Wearing a face mask is mandatory.
/ Strict cleaning and disinfection routines have been put in place.
/ You can arrive at Everyday at any time during the opening and you can stay as long as you wish as we limit the number of visitors to the gallery (no more than 20 people).
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Everyday Gallery, Jos Smolderenstraat 18, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium, Antwerp