Javier Téllez
12 Oct 2013 - 26 Jan 2014
Javier Tellez, Praise of Folly, Installation view at SMAK Ghent 2013, courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich
Javier Tellez, Praise of Folly, Installation view at SMAK Ghent 2013, courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich
Javier Tellez, Praise of Folly, Installation view at SMAK Ghent 2013, courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich
Javier Tellez, Praise of Folly, Installation view at SMAK Ghent 2013, courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich
Javier Tellez, The Greatest Show on Earth, 2005, courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich
Javier Tellez, The Greatest Show on Earth, 2005, courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich
Javier Tellez, The Greatest Show on Earth, 2005, courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich
Javier Tellez, La Conquista De México, 2012, videostill, courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich
Javier Tellez, La Conquista De México, 2012, videostill, courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich
Javier Tellez, La Conquista De México, 2012, videostill, courtesy of the Artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich
JAVIER TÉLLEZ
Praise of Folly
12 Octoner 2013 - 26 January 2014
As the son of two psychiatrists Venezuelan artist Javier Téllez (1969, Valencia) grew up in an environment where the mentally ill were part of everyday life. His film projects involve close collaborative ventures with what are usually 'invisible' communities, such as psychiatric patients or people with disabilities, allowing them to participate in the work process in order to produce a dignified and non-stereotyped image of those who are stigmatized. Combining documentary and fictional elements, Téllez works together with these people to provide a fresh interpretation of classical myths, private and collective memories and historical references. His work lends a voice to those who are marginalized, outsiders and the disenfranchised in order to challenge the concept of what is normal and what is pathological in our society.
The largest survey of his work to date, 'Praise of Folly' throws a spotlight on most of Javier Téllez's major films and installations of the last ten years. Focusing on the use of film in contemporary art, this S.M.A.K exhibition is part of a series of one-person shows in which Joachim Koester, Koen Theys and Jordan Wolfson have already been featured.
Against the background of 'Praise of Folly' Téllez is curating an exhibition of works by K.F. Drenthe from the collection of the Ghent-based Dr.Guislain Museum of psychiatry and mental health. The artist is taking the opportunity of this interaction to reflect upon the local history of psychiatry and reflect it in his exhibition.
Praise of Folly
12 Octoner 2013 - 26 January 2014
As the son of two psychiatrists Venezuelan artist Javier Téllez (1969, Valencia) grew up in an environment where the mentally ill were part of everyday life. His film projects involve close collaborative ventures with what are usually 'invisible' communities, such as psychiatric patients or people with disabilities, allowing them to participate in the work process in order to produce a dignified and non-stereotyped image of those who are stigmatized. Combining documentary and fictional elements, Téllez works together with these people to provide a fresh interpretation of classical myths, private and collective memories and historical references. His work lends a voice to those who are marginalized, outsiders and the disenfranchised in order to challenge the concept of what is normal and what is pathological in our society.
The largest survey of his work to date, 'Praise of Folly' throws a spotlight on most of Javier Téllez's major films and installations of the last ten years. Focusing on the use of film in contemporary art, this S.M.A.K exhibition is part of a series of one-person shows in which Joachim Koester, Koen Theys and Jordan Wolfson have already been featured.
Against the background of 'Praise of Folly' Téllez is curating an exhibition of works by K.F. Drenthe from the collection of the Ghent-based Dr.Guislain Museum of psychiatry and mental health. The artist is taking the opportunity of this interaction to reflect upon the local history of psychiatry and reflect it in his exhibition.