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KATIE // ARTISTS RESEARCH - JAKOB KUDSK STEENSEN

 


'Berl-Berl'

'Jakob Kudsk Steensen (b. 1987, Køge, Denmark) works at the vanguard of art and technology, utilising advancements in photography and gaming platforms to create immersive, three-dimensional worlds in direct relation to our natural world. The exhibition and online world Berl-Berl starts with a swamp as its protagonist – its ecosystem, history and mythologies – and pays tribute to Berlin's origin as a wetland that formed over 10,000 years ago, and was drained in the 1700s. ‘Berl’, the ancient Slavic word for swamp, is thought to be the origin of ‘Berlin’ and gives the exhibition its name.'

https://lightartspace.org/programme/jakob-kudsk-steensen

I liked the way this artist uses mythology to inspire his artwork. It gives the presence of nature a more meaningful necessity. I also admired how he uses sounds of nature combined with these mythologies throughout the installation. The videos zoom into the details of nature which is something I would like to experiment with. 



'Liminal Lands'

“We live on more timescales than we can grasp. At any given moment, human and non-human species execute countless variations of activity and events. Some are visible and can be felt, others remain unnoticed or mysterious but yet distinct and complex. Forces and unseen patterns constantly negotiate, shape and reshape the world we live in. Our physiological structure, our bodies and senses are unable to perceive or even imagine these unfamiliar to us, expansive temporal and spatial scales, the countless worlds and processes that are constantly taking place around us, and which transgress the boundaries of the physical field of our senses. "

https://jakobsteensen.squarespace.com/liminal-lands

In this artwork, the artist allows us to see inside of nature, giving a very surreal and sci-fi feel throughout. The sound almost sound like nature breaking and shattering apart which I think is an interesting concept.


In my current practice I am exploring science fiction inspired futures. Heavily influenced by the Anthropocene, I aim to create a surreal interpretations of the future where nature is the protagonist. In a world where nature is being destroyed, I think it's important to consider other forms of living in a way to change this. I am currently interested in other-than-human theories, an environment where humans and other species co-exist and are treated as equals. I am also interested in out of the ordinary plant life and fungi that looks alien-like. Although traditionally working in paint and multi-media, I am looking to create more video artwork that will tie into my futuristic theme. Using a bright science fiction inspired colour palette, I aim to create a utopia of a future naturalistic world that contrasts against the world we live in today.

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