Famous artist seeks extras for ‘extraordinary scene’
Anyone interested in being in the final scene of a new documentary about contemporary artist Koen Vanmechelen should email now
‘A Bruegelian set-up’
For five years, a film crew has been following the artist, known for his Cosmopolitan Chicken Project and his focus on mixing science, the arts and community, around the world as he creates installations, works on projects and opens exhibitions of his work. “For the final scene, we are looking for extras who want to be part of an extraordinary scene,” he says in a press statement. “One where human and animal come together around one huge table.”
The scene will be shot on 14 April; anyone wishing to take part is asked to send an email to [email protected].
Being part of the scene might also allow a sneak peek at Vanmechelen’s latest achievement: Labiomista. A permanent project, Labiomista is a 24-hectare area in Genk that was once the site of a zoo.
Living art
Now it is home to Vanmechelen’s art studio and headquarters, otherwise known as the Open University of Diversity. They are located in a building on the site known as The Battery, designed by renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta. The Battery is also home to a greenhouse and eagle aviary.
Labiomista also consists of LabOvo, a space for workshops and educational events, and a permanent open-air exhibition with a range of living artworks and installations. The entrance to the area – half of which has been left wild – is a gatehouse called the Ark, also designed by Mario Botta.
Labiomista is essentially the embodiment of Vanmechelen’s art and philosophy. “It’s an homage to the mix of life itself,” he says. Labiomista opens to the public on 6 July.
Photo: Part of the interior of The Battery
©Kris Vervaeke
