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Solo exhibition “Behavioral Sink” by Miķelis Mūrnieks

16.3.2024 - 19.5.2024

From March 16 to May 19, Kim? Contemporary Art Centre, in collaboration with VV Foundation, presents the largest solo show of artist Miķelis Mūrnieks to date.

Opening on March 15, 6-9 p.m.

Since the start of the century, our attention has been directed to the need to be more fluid — it is preached that in times of dynamic change, it will become a valuable tool for managing everyday life. With the capitalist work rhythm dictating the tempo of everyday life, a hypnotic state can be reached that is as though gazing at the ceaseless flow of water. The sculpting of this formless substance is the primary material common denominator for the works created for the exhibition. Drawn in a whirlpool of the mass of various rules, consumer illusions, and systems, the viewer is invited to explore the environment in which the artist untangles deeply personal yet, at the same time, socially descriptive experiences that are hidden behind a dreamy yet fragile shroud.

The threads of contradiction and incomprehension are reflected not only in the world of ideas but also in the manifestly visible — surprising variety of states of water. Fictional events and uncomfortable truths will serve as an invitation to catch the waves of self- and other reflections. In the socially critical spirit characteristic of Mūrnieks’ work, this series will also investigate and reconsider the shortcuts of perception automated by consciousness.

Last summer, Miķelis Mūrnieks earned a master’s degree at the Sandberg Instituut in Amsterdam with the work Fountain. This work will serve as the nucleus of the exhibition, which will be elaborated with a new series of sculptural novels and extensive scenography.

Miķelis Mūrnieks (1995) lives and works in Amsterdam. Since 2017, he has participated in group exhibitions and has held two personal exhibitions in Riga at Look! Gallery and culture space Tur. His recent exhibitions include Sculpture Quadrennial Miracles of Democracy with the work Aurora and group exhibition Synthesis. Study of the Truth Through Movement, Progress and Divergence; MABOCA festival; duo exhibition Security Patterns at LOW gallery. In his work, the young artist refers to the ready-made, creating objects and installations from familiar materials and forms. A social criticism fitting to contemporary culture has become one of Mūrnieks’ primary means of expression, imbued with an ironic and socio-analytical character.

Curator: Elīza Elizabete Ramza

Flowers: Evija Krištopane

3D print: Matīss Balodis, Armands Freibergs

Mechanical solutions: Māris Mūrnieks

Graphic design: Valters Kalsers

Lighting designer: Romāns Medvedevs

Translations: Valts Miķelsons

Program Director: Zane Onckule

Executive Director: Evita Goze

Project Assistant: Katrīna Jauģiete

Communication: Austra Stupele

Supported by:

Ministry of Culture, State Culture Capital Foundation, LODE, Wood Point, Akvedukts, Absolut, Valmiermuižas alus. 

Acknowledgements:

BMT Workshop, Imants Pankars