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John Bock Biography
John Bock is a contemporary German artist whose multifaceted work encompasses performance, film, sculpture, and installation. Born in 1965 in Gribbohm, Germany, Bock has established himself as a significant figure in the art world, known for his eccentric and theatrical presentations that challenge conventional forms of art-making and exhibition.
Bock's journey into the arts began with his studies at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste (HfBK) in Hamburg, Germany, where he immersed himself in the world of fine arts. After completing his education, he chose Berlin as his base, a city renowned for its vibrant and cutting-edge art scene.
The core of Bock's artistic practice is his performances, which he refers to as "lectures." These are not lectures in the traditional sense but rather elaborate, absurdist performances that take place within environments handcrafted from found materials. These settings serve as symbolic stages for Bock's presentations, which he has been creating since 1991. The objects he uses are either handmade or remodeled accessories that complement his performances, ranging from clothing to electrical equipment like hoovers and mixers, to "plastic diagrams" that accompany his often incomprehensible mathematical explanations.
During these lectures, Bock acts on stages built from tables, cupboards, or multi-level wood constructions. The performances are structured by different scenes, and Bock frequently collaborates with non-professional actors. Music is also an integral part of these events, with Bock playing pop songs or classical pieces from a record player. The lectures are typically recorded on video, and the resulting film is integrated into the installation, documenting the performance throughout the exhibition.
Bock's work is characterized by its extreme physicality and creative irrationality. He collages everyday household objects into dysfunctional machines or assemblages, forcing viewers to reconsider the adult world from a new perspective. His work is influenced by a range of movements and artists, including Dada, Fluxus, Viennese Actionism, and Joseph Beuys, yet his irreverent spoofing, wild energy, and relentless sculptural invention are distinctly his own.
His international recognition is reflected in his participation in prestigious exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale (1999 and 2005) and documenta 11 in Kassel (2002). Bock has also held solo exhibitions at major institutions like MoMA and the New Museum in New York, Kunst-Werke Institute for Contemporary Art in Berlin, and Kunsthalle in Basel.
In addition to his performances, Bock has increasingly focused on filmmaking. His films range from surreal escapades to costume dramas, featuring professional actors who bring a unique gravitas to his chaotic narratives. His 2007 road movie "Palms" is an example of his work in this medium, showcasing his talent for blending brilliant black comedy with a gangster narrative set in the Californian desert.
Bock's work has been the subject of numerous solo exhibitions, including "The Ex-Ego Assembles a Lump of Fume in the Everyman" at Galerija Kula in Croatia, "Twilight Proximity Corpus" at Anton Kern Gallery in New York, and "Im AntliTZ des SchädelapparaTZ" at Neuer Berliner Kunstverein in Berlin. His exhibitions often feature catalogues that delve deeper into the themes and processes behind his work.
Since 2004, Bock has shared his expertise and vision with the next generation of artists as a professor for sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts of Karlsruhe. His academic role complements his artistic practice, allowing him to influence and inspire students with his unconventional approach to art.
John Bock is represented by several galleries, including Galerie Klosterfelde in Berlin, Anton Kern Gallery in New York, and Regen Projects in Los Angeles. His work continues to intrigue and provoke audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a unique and influential voice in contemporary art.
John Bock Quotes and Sales of
Works
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