“In deze neoliberale maatschappij is er een schijn van isolatie, van individualiteit maar die disconnectie tussen mensen is een geconstrueerde illusie. Over die hyperindividualiteit stel ik me vragen want als je dieper gaat voel je wel connectie. Er bestaat een verbondenheid tussen mensen en dingen.”
- Helmut Stallaerts, 2015.

In The Dissolvement Helmut Stallaerts drops his character in a dark universe. The human figure is, as it were, placed in the world to continue on his own. Yet, there is some support; someone is holding him.

Man is undoubtedly the central motif in the complex and broad-branching oeuvre of Stallaerts. It is not just a man that is present in reality, but a person alienated from us, faded and absent. The actions taken by that person usually resemble an indefinable ritual event. The environment in which they live is similarly alien: without any anecdotal detail, sterile and cold. The absurd atmosphere that is created in this way is very uncomfortable and dark. Stallaerts work is a reflection of the world we live in, the at times dark forces that govern us and the search for connection from an existential solitary existence.

Courtesy of Bernier/Eliades Gallery and the artist
2016 - painting oil, bee wax and resin on canvas - 150 x 185 cm

Image credit: Helmut Stallaerts - The Dissolvement © Boris Kirpotin

Helmut Stallaerts
°1982, Brussels, Belgium

Helmut Stallaerts is a Belgian artist whose practice mostly consists of painting, yet also incorporates film, photography, sculpture and installation. His main focus is undoubtedly man: his human figures are alienated, blurred and absent but in a rather theatrical and often awkward way, they are exposed to the public. The environment in which they live is similarly alien: without any anecdotal detail, sterile and cold. The atmosphere is always absurd strange and dark. Stallaerts studied at the Academy of Saint-Lucas MFA (2000-2004), Brussels and at the Academy of Fine Arts in Düsseldorf (2004-2005). His work is part of numerous collections and has been exhibited world-wide. In 2013 he won the ING Public Price at the Young Belgian Art Prize Expo. Helmut Stallaerts is represented by Bernier Eliades Gallery and Baronian Xippas. He lives and works in Brussels.