Anne Imhof's New Exhibitions in London and Amsterdam Explore Gesture and Jester Figures
This autumn, Anne Imhof is showcasing two significant exhibitions: 'Avatar II' at Sprüth Magers in London, running from September 23 to December 22, and 'YOUTH' at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, which will be on display from October 1 to January 29, in collaboration with the Hartwig Art Foundation. Her artistic exploration delves into twilight realms, featuring performers such as Eliza Douglas in eerie jester roles. Imhof's work, inspired by choreographers like William Forsythe, merges dance, music, and visual arts. The 'YOUTH' exhibition, originally intended for the Garage Museum in Moscow, includes a complex installation and four video pieces filmed in Russia, depicting Douglas in self-harming scenarios. Her fascination with dance originated at Städelschule in Frankfurt, where her works are recognized for their intense urgency.
Key facts
- Anne Imhof has two exhibitions: 'Avatar II' at Sprüth Magers, London (September 23–December 22) and 'YOUTH' at Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam (October 1–January 29).
- Imhof's work features performers like Eliza Douglas in jester roles, exploring gestures and sinister clown tropes.
- Her practice is influenced by choreographers William Forsythe, Michael Clark, and Charles Atlas, with a company including Billy Bultheel and Nadine Fraczkowski.
- Imhof won the Golden Lion at the 2017 Venice Biennale for 'Faust', which included caged Doberman pinschers at the German Pavilion.
- The 'YOUTH' exhibition was originally intended for the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow but was canceled due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Four video works in 'YOUTH' were shot in Russia and feature Eliza Douglas in self-mutilating acts, with artificial snowflakes and locker settings.
- Imhof's performances, such as 'Natures Mortes' at Palais de Tokyo, often go viral on social media in real time.
- Her artistic vision is described as crepuscular, set in twilight worlds, with references to pop stars like Dua Lipa and Kurt Cobain.
Entities
Artists
- Anne Imhof
- Eliza Douglas
- Billy Bultheel
- Nadine Fraczkowski
- Josh Johnson
- Frances Chiaverini
- Mickey Mahar
- William Forsythe
- Michael Clark
- Charles Atlas
- Lon Chaney
- Dua Lipa
- Kurt Cobain
- J. L. Austin
Institutions
- Sprüth Magers
- Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
- Hartwig Art Foundation
- Palais de Tokyo
- Serpentine Galleries
- Garage Museum of Contemporary Art
- Städelschule
- Venice Biennale
- German Pavilion
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- London
- United Kingdom
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands
- Paris
- France
- Moscow
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Frankfurt
- Zurich
- Switzerland