Veli Silver's Explosive Performances Critique the Myth of the Artistic Genius
Veli Silver, a Slovenian artist recognized for his action paintings, performances, and graffiti, challenges the glorified narrative surrounding artists, particularly in Abstract Expressionism. His performance piece "Sun Never Sets" involves being shot with fireworks, resulting in injuries. In "Art of Bombing," a child hands him a bomb-like object, which he tosses into a lake, with the explosion and painting occurring simultaneously. Silver's explosive motifs are shaped by his childhood experiences during the Yugoslav Wars and influenced by Harold Rosenberg's 1952 writings. His work, characterized as "radical metaphors," employs vibrant colors even amidst chaos. Starting with graffiti, Silver often humorously navigates outdoor spaces while critiquing the cult of genius.
Key facts
- Veli Silver is a Slovenian artist who creates action paintings, performances, and graffiti.
- His work often involves explosions and fire, and he has been injured during performances.
- The performance series 'Sun Never Sets' involves Silver being shot at with real fireworks.
- In 'Art of Bombing', a child gives Silver a bomb-like object, which he throws into a lake; the explosion and his painting last the same duration.
- Silver's art critiques the myth of the artistic genius, particularly Abstract Expressionism.
- Harold Rosenberg's 1952 essay 'The American Action Painters' is referenced in relation to Silver's work.
- Silver experienced bomb impacts during the Yugoslav Wars as a child, which may influence his art.
- Silver's work is described as 'radical metaphors', a term from 1920s Surrealism.
- He often paints landscapes in cheerful, naive colors, even in disaster scenes.
- His practice began with graffiti and evolved to include both illegal and legal creations.
Entities
Artists
- Veli Silver
- Jackson Pollock
- Harold Rosenberg