KIRAC: The Dutch Art Collective Unafraid to Criticize
KIRAC (Keeping It Real Art Critics) is a Dutch collective founded in 2016 by Stefan Ruitenbeek, Kate Sinha, and Tarik Sadouma. Their video works, which blend reportage, autofiction, and pamphlets, have polarized audiences. The collective releases numbered episodes (1–17 free, later ones for a fee) and recently introduced merchandising to self-fund. Ruitenbeek, in a Zoom interview, described their initial aim as expanding his existing video practice. The collective's critical method targets political correctness and institutional critique, though Ruitenbeek now focuses on familiar people and environments. He cites lightness as a key artistic goal, influenced by Céline, Thomas Bernhard, and Mozart. KIRAC's humor is spontaneous, and they embrace being 'mercenaries' to maintain autonomy. The collective's website states they seek 'love in the form of truth.'
Key facts
- KIRAC was founded in 2016 by Stefan Ruitenbeek, Kate Sinha, and Tarik Sadouma.
- The collective produces video episodes blending reportage, autofiction, and pamphlets.
- Episodes 1–17 are free; later episodes require a fee.
- KIRAC recently introduced merchandising for self-funding.
- Ruitenbeek cites Céline, Thomas Bernhard, and Mozart as influences.
- Kate Sinha was accused of racism and sexism (episode 13).
- The collective's humor is spontaneous, not constructed.
- KIRAC describes itself as 'mercenaries' for autonomy.
Entities
Artists
- Stefan Ruitenbeek
- Kate Sinha
- Tarik Sadouma
- Carlos Casuso
- Luca Rossi
- Luca Bertolo
- Tim To
Institutions
- KIRAC
- Artribune
Locations
- Netherlands
- Hannover
- Germany