New Video and Photographic Works

TEUN HOCKS

New Video and Photographic Works

June 1 – July 7, 2006
Opening: June 1, 2006 6 - 8 pm

P•P•O•W is pleased to present new work by Dutch artist TEUN HOCKS. Teun Hocks is an artist who crosses genres; becoming a unique combination of photographer, painter, inventor, performer and director.

Teun Hocks is a pioneer of the photographic practice of 'constructed imagery' in which many artists today work. Using sets constructed in his studio, Hocks photographs himself as the hapless everyman combating the absurdities of daily life. Hocks then embellishes his black and white photographs with transparent oil glazes creating surrealistic portraits with dark comedic undertones. Included alongside the large photographic works, Hocks has created small endlessly looping animations. Like footnotes to the larger pieces, these playful videos transcend his initial work sketches, frame by frame, into cartoon film shorts.

With humor and drama Hocks plays on the sympathy of the viewer. Through his use of self-portraiture Hocks presents himself as a melancholy yet playful artist who illustrates his encounters with the mysteries and constructs of his own existence. As both the comic (artist) and the straight man (subject), he represents the futile discontinuities that result from occupying both positions.

Teun Hocks has exhibited internationally over the last twenty years. A new monograph has just been published by Aperture, with an essay by Janet Koplos. His commission of three stained glass windows for the Grote Kerk in Dordrecht, Holland will be unveiled this month. A previous monography of his work entitled "The Late Hour" was published in Holland in 1999, with an essay by Donald Kuspit. His work is included in many museum and private collections and has been reproduced in major publications worldwide.