Atelier Van Lieshout

The Oracle

2014

Mixed media
120 x 220 x 460 cm

Since ancient times oracles have been both loved and feared messengers of advice. Atelier Van Lieshout made its own oracle in a style that reminds of primitive African art and resembles a totem or idol. The Oracle is made of steel and equipped with a mechanism that enables the giant head to talk and move its mouth, neck, ears and eyes.The Oracle reflects on power relations between and within society.

The work asks how people are mentally fed, what type of information we consume and how we reproduce this information, and how we reproduce this information. Do we formulate our own thoughts or mindlessly copy those of others? The Oracle touches on themes as freedom of speech, political correctness and incorrectness, and the (im)possibility of privacy and anonymity.

On May 5th, Liberation Day, (on which the German Army’s surrender in the Netherlands in 1945 is commemorated and the liberation of the country is celebrated), The Oracle was presented on Dam Square in Amsterdam. All day long The Oracle orated text messages from the public and reflected the views of the community. The Oracle received widespread attention from both national and international press.

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