Kris Martin
In the Artist's Studio
Course Detail
DescriptionIn this course, the artist Kris Martin takes participants on a journey through his artistic practice. He often begins his explorations by following the concept of the so-called readymade, an ordinary manufactured object that is re-contextualized or altered. He infuses these found objects with new meaning through displacement and modification. Martin questions the role of the artist and the art object in contemporary society. His often romantic and witty artworks are poetic meditations on the transitory nature of life.Meet the PresenterKris MartinKris Martin: The Alchemist of Time
Kris Martin, a Belgian artist known for his conceptual interventions and re-creations of canonical works of art and literature, challenges our understanding of time and history. Through his riddling works, Martin invites viewers to reflect on the transience of life and the human desire to preserve and conquer time.
One of Martin’s most intriguing works is “100 Years” (2004), a seemingly innocent golden sphere that carries a hidden secret. It is rumored to be set to explode in the year 2104. By assigning a specific date of self-destruction to this artwork, Martin forces us to confront the inevitability of time and the futility of our attempts to defy it. In a world obsessed with preservation and longevity, “100 Years” serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of all things.
In addition to his time-based works, Martin has also staged conceptual interventions that provoke personal reflection. At the 2007 Frieze Art Fair in London, he orchestrated a moment of silence for attendees. A woman’s voice came over the PA system, urging everyone to pause and contemplate. This unexpected interruption disrupted the usual hustle and bustle of the art fair, inviting individuals to step out of their daily routines and engage in a moment of introspection.
Martin’s art is characterized by its ability to challenge our preconceived notions and disrupt our sense of time. Through his interventions and re-creations, he invites us to question our own relationship with the past, present, and future. His works serve as reminders of the fleeting nature of existence and the importance of embracing the present moment.
Although Martin’s art is deeply rooted in conceptualism, it also carries a sense of playfulness and irony. His use of found objects and re-creations of iconic artworks and literary works adds an element of surprise and subversion to his practice. By appropriating and altering these cultural artifacts, Martin blurs the boundaries between past and present, original and copy, inviting us to reconsider our understanding of art and its historical significance.
Kris Martin’s work has been exhibited in numerous museums and institutions around the world. His thought-provoking installations and interventions have captivated audiences and sparked conversations about the nature of time, history, and the human condition. With each new artwork, Martin continues to challenge our perceptions and invite us to reflect on our place in the ever-changing landscape of existence.