The Farm
Mixed media
165 x 148 x 155 cm
The New Tribal Labyrinth is an ongoing series of work in which recurring themes like the organization of labour, the structures of power and revolution are linked to the end of the worlds´ resources and subsequent self sufficiency. It suggests a new world order, a society inhabited by imaginary tribes. This world will see a return to farming and industry – which currently both have been banished from our society – and a re-establishment of our relationship with materials – which now has been lost. Rituals will be re-valued, and will play in important role in society once more. Thus, objects for farming, industry and rituals are the three main bodies of work of this huge ”Gesamtkunstwerk”.
Additionally, New Tribal Labyrinth provides ritual objects, totem-like sculptures and dwellings for the tribes of the future. These include large scale projects like The Original Dwelling, as well as smaller totems, icons and images of worship, like The Farm, which was the starting point of the New Tribal Labyrinth.
The Farm (2011) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘The CryptoFuturist and The New Tribal Labyrinth’, Pioneer Works, New York (USA), 2019
‘SlaveCity’, De Pont, Tilburg (NL), 2016
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Dwelling
Bronze, steel
109 x 80 x 80 cm
Dwelling is an imaginary tribal dwelling; the work takes humankind back to its origins, recalling a primitive state of being with the shape of a horse head. The sculpture is part of the New Tribal Labyrinth, an ongoing series of work in which recurring themes like the organization of labour, the structures of power and revolution are linked to the end of the worlds´ resources and subsequent self sufficiency. It suggests a new world order, a society inhabited by imaginary tribes. This world will see a return to farming and industry – which currently both have been banished from our society – and a re-establishment of our relationship with materials – which now has been lost. Rituals will be re-valued, and will play in important role in society once more. Thus, objects for farming, industry and rituals are the three main bodies of work of this huge ”Gesamtkunstwerk”.
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Cow
Fiberglass
315 x 120 x 183 cm
The New Tribal Labyrinth is an ongoing series of work in which recurring themes like the organization of labour, the structures of power and revolution are linked to the end of the worlds´ resources and subsequent self sufficiency. It suggests a new world order, a society inhabited by imaginary tribes. This world will see a return to farming and industry – which currently both have been banished from our society – and a re-establishment of our relationship with materials – which now has been lost. Rituals will be re-valued, and will play in important role in society once more. Thus, objects for farming, industry and rituals are the three main bodies of work of this huge ”Gesamtkunstwerk”.
Location: Collection of LAM Lisse (NL)
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
L’Origine du Monde
Aluminium
158 x 70 x 104 cm
The New Tribal Labyrinth is an ongoing series of work in which recurring themes like the organization of labour, the structures of power and revolution are linked to the end of the worlds´ resources and subsequent self sufficiency. It suggests a new world order, a society inhabited by imaginary tribes. This world will see a return to farming and industry – which currently both have been banished from our society – and a re-establishment of our relationship with materials – which now has been lost. Rituals will be re-valued, and will play in important role in society once more. Thus, objects for farming, industry and rituals are the three main bodies of work of this huge ”Gesamtkunstwerk”.
Beeld
Fiberglass
90 x 90 x 310 cm
Buffel
Fiberglass
100 x 90 x 222 cm
Contemporary humans have increasing numbers of possessions, but perhaps these things possess them. They’re in danger of becoming an extension of their cars, computers, mobile phones and other tools. Buffel symbolizes this dubious relationship. Humans merging with their prison; animate and inanimate objects become one.
Buffel (2011) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘Utopia‘, Château Saint-Maur, Saint Tropez (FR), 2022
‘Let’s Get Physical’, Atelier Van Lieshout, Rotterdam (NL), 2020
‘The CryptoFuturist and The New Tribal Labyrinth’, Pioneer Works, New York (USA), 2019
‘Poly Pluto Pluri’, Galería OMR, Mexico City (MX), 2017
‘The Invisible Hand’, Parc Tournay de Solvay , Brussels (BE), 2016
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Panta Rhei
Fiberglass
145 x 140 x 340 cm
“Panta Rhei” or “everything flows”, said the Greek philosopher Heraclitus some 2,500 years ago. He meant that nothing remains the same because time constantly puts everything in a new perspective. The thinkers in AVL’s Panta Rhei are force-fed through a funnel and their excrement forms the pillars they stand on. They are the embodiment of circularity: all is constantly renewed, with slight changes.
Panta Rhei (2011) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘De Verleiding’, Bosch Parade, ‘s Hertogenbosch (NL), 2022
‘Let’s Get Physical’, Atelier Van Lieshout, Rotterdam (NL), 2020 – 2021
‘The Invisible Hand’, Parc Tournay de Solvay , Brussels (BE), 2016
‘Vrijstaat’, Kasteel Keukenhof, Lisse (NL), 2014
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Couple
Polyurea
207 x 105 x 130 cm
A monument for the dead and the living, Couple references the sarcophagus of the famous Etruscan funerary couple, Sarcophagus of the Spouses, and relates to the cycle of life represented by
the Blast Furnace: the end of everything and the beginning of everything.
Couple (2011) was part of the follwing exhibition(s):
‘The CryptoFuturist and The New Tribal Labyrinth’, Pioneer Works, New York (USA), 2019
‘The Butcher’, La Friche Belle de Mai, Marseille (FR), 2013
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Hieronymus
Fiberglass
93 x 63 x 114 cm
Hieronymus is part of a larger series of tribal sculptures, totem-like objects geared at worship, rituals, offerings. Hieronymus’ organic shapes evoke images of both man and beast, and refer to the fantastical forms and figures of Dutch painter Hiëronymusch Bosch. At the same time, in true AVL-fashion, the work has a functional quality to it, and balances on the boundary between sculpture piece and functional object.
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Éénling
Fiberglass
70 x 60 x 201 cm
The New Tribal Labyrinth is an ongoing series of work in which recurring themes like the organization of labour, the structures of power and revolution are linked to the end of the worlds´ resources and subsequent self sufficiency. It suggests a new world order, a society inhabited by imaginary tribes. This world will see a return to farming and industry – which currently both have been banished from our society – and a re-establishment of our relationship with materials – which now has been lost. Rituals will be re-valued, and will play in important role in society once more. Thus, objects for farming, industry and rituals are the three main bodies of work of this huge ”Gesamtkunstwerk”.
The Monument
Fiberglass
220 x 205 x 431 cm
2010-2012 The Monument, 2010-2012 Mother and Child, 2010-2012 Untitled, 2010-2012
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Untitled (mother and child)
Mixed media
300 x 270 x 120 cm
The New Tribal Labyrinth is an ongoing series of work in which recurring themes like the organization of labour, the structures of power and revolution are linked to the end of the worlds´ resources and subsequent self-sufficiency. It suggests a new world order, a society inhabited by imaginary tribes. This world will see a return to farming and industry – which currently both have been banished from our society – and a re-establishment of our relationship with materials – which has now been lost. Rituals will be re-valued, and will play an important role in society once more. Thus, objects for farming, industry and rituals are the three main bodies of work of this huge ”Gesamtkunstwerk”.
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
La Chaise
Mixed media
85 x 70 x 105 cm
The New Tribal Labyrinth is an ongoing series of work in which recurring themes like the organization of labour, the structures of power and revolution are linked to the end of the worlds´ resources and subsequent self sufficiency. It suggests a new world order, a society inhabited by imaginary tribes. This world will see a return to farming and industry – which currently both have been banished from our society – and a re-establishment of our relationship with materials – which now has been lost. Rituals will be re-valued, and will play in important role in society once more. Thus, objects for farming, industry and rituals are the three main bodies of work of this huge ”Gesamtkunstwerk”.
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Canon WWII
Polyurethane Foam
300 x 140 x 130 cm
This smaller black canon is the second one made in a series of tree, a more stylized canon as a production of the post industrial era.
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Piëta
Bronze
192 x 122,5 x 100 cm
Piëta is a reference to one of the three most common artistic representations of a sorrowful Virgin Mary. A modern-day youthful presentation of sorrow.
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
New Born Helmet
Polyurethane Foam
165 x 50 x 80 cm
The New Tribal Labyrinth is an ongoing series of work in which recurring themes like the organization of labour, the structures of power and revolution are linked to the end of the worlds´ resources and subsequent self sufficiency. It suggests a new world order, a society inhabited by imaginary tribes. This world will see a return to farming and industry – which currently both have been banished from our society – and a re-establishment of our relationship with materials – which now has been lost. Rituals will be re-valued, and will play in important role in society once more. Thus, objects for farming, industry and rituals are the three main bodies of work of this huge ”Gesamtkunstwerk”.
New Born Helmet (2010) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘The CryptoFuturist and The New Tribal Labyrinth’, Pioneer Works, New York (USA), 2019
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Venus
PolyUrea
100 x 75 x 158 cm
Inspired by the pre-historical venus sculpture, this ancient goddess and mother figure refers to idolatry, fertility and primitive society in which women played a considerably more important if not dominant role.
Venus (2010) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘De Kannibaal’, Villa Zebra, Rotterdam (NL), 2011 – 2012
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Le Magnifique
Mixed media
140 x 90 x 135 cm
This sculpture is the depiction of the symbol for masculinity. The roughly shaped male figure is in possession of an extraordinary phallus.
Old Man
Mixed media
120 x 70 x 150 cm
The New Tribal Labyrinth is an ongoing series of work in which recurring themes like the organization of labour, the structures of power and revolution are linked to the end of the worlds´ resources and subsequent self sufficiency. It suggests a new world order, a society inhabited by imaginary tribes. This world will see a return to farming and industry – which currently both have been banished from our society – and a re-establishment of our relationship with materials – which now has been lost. Rituals will be re-valued, and will play in important role in society once more. Thus, objects for farming, industry and rituals are the three main bodies of work of this huge ”Gesamtkunstwerk”.
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Cradle to Cradle
Mixed Media
Various dimensions
Joep van Lieshout’s fascination with systems and organs is apparent in his installation Cradle to Cradle (2009). This artwork takes its name from the popular Cradle to Cradle manifesto by the American architect William McDonough and the German chemist Michael Braungart. Cradle to Cradle is based on the concept that waste is food. This means that old materials are used to form new products without loss of quality or waste products. This principle is taken to the extreme in AVL’s installation. Cradle to Cradle consists of an anatomical theatre, a semi-industrial slaughterhouse and a high-tech operating room. Bones, skulls, muscle groups and organs lie on robust, brightly lit tables. Various flayed bodies hang from rails. This machine recycles people. In a model of efficiency, the organs are used for transplants, while the flesh, fluids, fat and bones are processed into meat. The remainder is used to harvest energy.
Cradle to Cradle includes part of the interior of another art work – SlaveCity – which Joep van Lieshout has been designing since 2005 and which is intended to house 200,000 residents. The infrastructure of SlaveCity has been fully worked out on paper and in models and objects, and includes universities, brothels, a hospital, an airport, a shopping centre, a call centre and a museum. SlaveCity’s potential residents are selected upon entry. AVL describes the selection process as follows: ‘Old, crippled, sick and bad tasting people will be recycled in a biogas digester, while the healthy, not so clever will be recycled in the meat processing factory. The young and healthy will take part in the organ transplant program.’ Only six per cent of all participants are suited to working in the call centre. The selected healthy slaves follow a strict schedule. They work seven hours per day in the service industry or on the land and seven hours in the call centre. They must spend the remaining ten hours on personal maintenance, relaxation and sleep. If all the slaves keep to this regime, SlaveCity is able to provide all its own food, water and energy. ‘The city’s only source of energy is that which it produces itself covered by the use of biogas, solar and wind energy, working to build a ‘cradle to cradle’ situation in which everything works as a closed circuit recycling system, where there is no waste.’ Moreover, the organisational structure of SlaveCity is highly profitable. The revenue is invested in medical assistance, organic food and green energy.
With macabre sculptures and installations such as Cradle to Cradle, AVL offers an extremely provocative answer to the world’s problems of overpopulation and depleted energy supplies. In addition, the art works hold up a mirror to society, magnifying contemporary trends in the fields of ecological (product) design and the economy. ‘[…] Cradle to Cradle is presented as a perversion of a highly modern achievement-oriented society, bringing forward the discussion of the broken limit between good and evil.’ The art work shows ‘the logical outcome – the shadowy other – of a ruling democratic system entangled in its own guiding principles of economic rationalisation and expanding biological control’, according to the theorist Helen Petrovsky in a catalogue from 2009.
Cradle to Cradle (2009) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘SlaveCity’, De Pont, Tilburg (NL), 2016
‘Vrijstaat’, Kasteel Keukenhof, Lisse (NL), 2014
‘De Kannibaal’, Villa Zebra, Rotterdam (NL), 2011 – 2012
‘Infernopolis’, Submarinewharf, Rotterdam (NL), 2010
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Hollow Sitting Man on Table
Fiberglass
128 x 70 x 94 cm
Jubilee Tree
Bronze
30 x 30 x 43 cm
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Grinder
Fiberglass
200 x 200 x 175 cm
The Grinder is an installation from ‘Cradle to Cradle’ (2009), a series of works which is based on the concept that waste is food. This principle is taken to the extreme in AVL’s installation, a machine built to recycle people. In a model of efficiency, the organs are used for transplants, while the flesh, fluids, fat and bones are processed into meat in this grinder. The remainder is used to harvest energy. Atelier van Lieshout offers an extremely provocative answer to the world’s problems of overpopulation and depleted energy supplies
Grinder (2009) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘Roof Installation’, ROOF-A, Rotterdam (NL), 2021
‘Infernopolis’, Submarinewharf, Rotterdam (NL), 2010
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Exploded View
Polyurea
211 x 190 x 258 cm
Joep van Lieshout’s fascination with systems and organs is apparent in his most recent installation, Cradle to Cradle (2009). This art work takes its name from the popular Cradle to Cradle manifesto by the American architect William McDonough and the German chemist Michael Braungart. Cradle to Cradle is based on the concept that waste is food. This means that old materials are used to form new products without loss of quality or waste products. This principle is taken to the extreme in AVL’s installation.
Cradle to Cradle consists of an anatomical theatre, a semi-industrial slaughterhouse and a high-tech operating room. Bones, skulls, muscle groups and organs lie on robust, brightly lit tables. Various flayed bodies hang from rails. This machine recycles people. In a model of efficiency, the organs are used for transplants, while the flesh, fluids, fat and bones are processed into meat. The remainder is used to harvest energy.
Exploded View (2009) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘SlaveCity’, De Pont, Tilburg (NL), 2016
‘De Kannibaal’, Villa Zebra, Rotterdam (NL), 2011 – 2012
‘Infernopolis’, Submarinewharf, Rotterdam (NL), 2010
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Horn of Plenty
Polyurea
126 x 126 x 200 cm
This sculpture celebrates bounty. The woman, who could be either an abstract Mary or a new fertility goddess, carries a platter bearing three children. It looks like an embrace, but the young ones could also be meant for sacrifice or cannibalistic consumption.
Horn of Plenty (2008) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘Let’s Get Physical’, Atelier Van Lieshout, Rotterdam (NL), 2020 – 2021
‘SlaveCity’, De Pont, Tilburg (NL), 2016
‘The Butcher’, La Friche Belle de Mai, Marseille (FR), 2013
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Der Kuss
Fiberglass
Life is about making choices, between the known and the unknown, security and uncertainty, progress and the status quo. All that, wrapped up in this kiss, which can be seen as a confirmation of love, but also a bittersweet farewell.
Der Kuss (2008) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘Let’s Get Physical’, Atelier Van Lieshout, Rotterdam (NL), 2020
‘Infernopolis’, Submarinewharf, Rotterdam (NL), 2010
Life
Fiberglass
140 x 83 x 32 cm
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Wall Decoration
Polyurethane foam
310 x 50 x 222 cm
Wall Decoration shows the ultimate purpose of the inhabitants of SlaveCity (2005 – 2008), a zero footprint city with green renewable energy as part of its self-sufficient ambition: re-use. At its core, SlaveCity is rational, efficient, and profitable, not wasting any of the worlds resources, and completely self-sufficient. Everything is recyclable, including the slaves themselves.
Wall Decoration (2008) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘Das Haus’, Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst, Aachen (DE), 2008 – 2009
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Dickhead Baby
Fiberglass
37 x 21 x 15 cm
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Pappamamma
Fiberglass
120 x 97 x 42 cm
PappaMamma Lamp is a translation of the human reproductive process. It is an anatomical cross-section of the genital organs: the penis, the vagina, and the gestating fœtus. Light of life.
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
Man Ripped Open I – IX
PolyUrea
Series of nine sculptures
Various dimensions
Man Ripped Open (2008) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘Das Haus’, Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst, Aachen (DE), 2008 – 2009
Location: Man Ripped Open IX is in the collection of Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, Rotterdam (NL).
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
The Mall
Fiberglass
250 x 210 x 237 cm
The Mall, situated in SlaveCity’s public area is a giant biomorphic baroque shopping center. With 26 floors this humongous building is the world’s largest boundless consumer paradise, opened 24/7. The Mall houses countless shops that are irrationally chosen by Joep, consisting of numerous luxury good stores, with upstairs a recreational area including brothels, bars, night clubs, casinos, and a spa. Other floors house fashion stores, art galleries, design and furniture stores as well as convenience services. Downstairs you will find an arena for entertainment fights with supermarkets and quality organic food suppliers. Furthermore a health department with pharmacies and dental- and medical care as well as a hair- and beauty salon, a cosmetic surgery parlor. The Mall: the shopping city, just to kill time.
Operation
Fiberglass
185 x 100 x 180 cm
Operation (2007) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘Boijmans Drive-Thru Museum’, Ahoy, Rotterdam (NL), 2020
‘De Kannibaal’, Villa Zebra, Rotterdam (NL), 2011 – 2012
‘Infernopolis’, Submarinewharf, Rotterdam (NL), 2010
Collection: Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, Rotterdam (NL)
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
The Cube
Fiberglass, steel
225 x 225 x 225 cm
Humans are nothing but biogas producers in the large-scale installation The Technocrat. The Cube embodies its most rigorous form of industrially farming humans. Bodies are fixed to frames, food and anaesthetic alcohol are administered while tubes attached to their anuses suck up the excrement. These units lend themselves to efficient stacking.
The Cube (2007) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘Let’s Get Physical’, Atelier Van Lieshout, Rotterdam (NL), 2020 – 2021
‘Vrijstaat’, Kasteel Keukenhof, Lisse (NL), 2014
‘Das Haus’, Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst, Aachen (DE), 2008 – 2009
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com
The Globe
Fiberglass
140 x 140 x 140 cm
The Globe (2007) is part of The Boardroom installation, and is a simplified version of the spinning world, where the ruling class of SlaveCity can plan expansion and new outposts. There are no mountains, no countries, no lakes, just a flat space to be conquered by the vision behind SlaveCity. The world is very important to the rulers of SlaveCity, as they are very concerned with the environment; SlaveCity is completely self sufficient and releases no waste. The Globe slowly rotates clockwise to reveal all the continents and oceans.
Location: Collection of Maxxi Museum, Rome.
The Globe (2007) was part of the following exhibition(s):
‘What is Our Home?’, IVAM, Valencia (ES), 2020 – 2021
Waterwagon
Fiberglass
600 x 215 x 165 cm
Waterwagon is part of Slave City, a completely self-sufficient city free of hunger, sickness and unemployment. Inhabitants perform the slave labour necessary for its smooth operation. When they become redundant, their organs are sold and the rest is recycled as food, bio fuel and compost. Ultimately, that will also be the fate of the figures who pull this wagon that provides the city with the water it cannot do without.
Waterwagon (2007) was part of the following exhibition(s):
The Rebellion, Luxembourg Art Week, Luxembourg (Lux), 2023
‘Let’s Get Physical’, Atelier Van Lieshout, Rotterdam (NL), 2020 – 2021
‘SlaveCity’, De Pont, Tilburg (NL), 2016
For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com