Hans Op de Beeck on Art as a Constructive Act and the Cyclical Nature of Time
In a conversation with Ludovico Pratesi for Artribune, Hans Op de Beeck, a multimedia artist born in 1969 in Turnhout, Belgium, shares insights into his artistic beliefs and significant creations. He perceives art as a means to construct serene alternate realms for contemplation. His inspirations range from Raymond Carver and Louise Glück to Anish Kapoor and the Coen brothers. Among his prominent pieces are The Collector's House (2016) and We were the last to stay (2022). Op de Beeck advocates for authenticity among emerging artists, broadening the concept of 'sacred' to encompass ethics and empathy, while addressing issues such as environmental challenges and social inequality, all with a hopeful outlook.
Key facts
- Hans Op de Beeck is a multimedia artist born in 1969 in Turnhout, Belgium.
- He creates large installations, sculptures, films, drawings, and paintings.
- The Collector's House (2016) is a 240-square-meter neoclassical room in gray plaster, wood, and polyester.
- We were the last to stay (2022) is a 1,900-square-meter site-specific installation for the Biennale de Lyon.
- Op de Beeck cites influences including Raymond Carver, Louise Glück, Louise Bourgeois, Anish Kapoor, Peter Doig, Marlene Dumas, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Johannes Vermeer, Jan van Eyck, Johann Sebastian Bach, and the Coen brothers.
- He believes the future contains an 'ancient heart' and that art transcends linear time.
- He advises young artists to focus on their authentic selves and leave their comfort zones.
- He identifies key contemporary issues as environment, racism, colonialism, social inequality, and gender discrimination.
Entities
Artists
- Hans Op de Beeck
- Ludovico Pratesi
- Raymond Carver
- Louise Glück
- Louise Bourgeois
- Anish Kapoor
- Peter Doig
- Marlene Dumas
- Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
- Johannes Vermeer
- Jan van Eyck
- Johann Sebastian Bach
- Coen brothers
Institutions
- Artribune
- Biennale de Lyon
- GALLERIA CONTINUA
- St. Regis Rome
Locations
- Turnhout
- Belgium
- Rome
- Italy
- Lyon
- France