Atelier Van Lieshout

Destiny

2021

Bronze
115 x 95 x 80 cm

In western art, monkeys and apes are often depicted as naughty, shameless animals with no self-control and overactive libidos. They are the devil’s henchmen or even the latter’s incarnations. In 17th-century painting, chained monkeys symbolised mankind imprisoned by lust.
However, in Joep van Lieshout’s view, apes represent raw energy and a zest for life. They tried to shackle the old alpha male and oust him from his place, but he broke free from expectations, obligations and the churning wheels of time in order to rule supreme. Even though he is subject to fate and has to accept any unlucky roll of the dice, he is still on top of his game and unwilling to give up without a fight.

Destiny (2021) was part of the following exhibition(s):
Art Rotterdam, Galerie Ron Mandos, Rotterdam (NL), 2023
Form Follows Energy, LAGO / ALGO, Mexico City (MX), 2022

For enquiries: please contact Atelier Van Lieshout via info@ateliervanlieshout.com