Insect Liberation Speech: Edgar HonetschläGER at Linz's Nordico Venue
In the heart of Linz, Austria, the Nordico city museum is hosting a solo exhibition by visual artist, filmmaker, and environmental activist Edgar Honetschläger. The exhibition, titled "Give Nature a Break," curated by Sabine Fellner, runs from April 11 to August 17.
Edgar Honetschläger, known for his diverse work spanning drawing, watercolor, photography, installation, performance, and film, has lived in Japan for many years. This influence is evident in his use of materials like rice paper and Japanese ink.
The exhibition at the Nordico is a testament to Honetschläger's commitment to nature conservation. Insects, a subject of interest for the artist, are featured prominently. The theme of his work is to evoke empathy, making people see insects as more than just a part of the ecosystem.
Honetschläger's large formats often leave much of the surface white, a stark contrast to the intricate details of his subjects. In the "Bathing Trees" series, trees are depicted engaged in morning ablutions or relaxing spa baths, anthropomorphizing nature in a whimsical yet thought-provoking manner.
The "Chickensuit" series, another highlight of the exhibition, sees Honetschläger creating fashion for chickens, including faux fur, conservative knitwear, and stylishly patterned jumpsuits. The aim is to challenge the viewer's perception of these animals, encouraging them to see chickens as more than just food.
"GoBugsGo - Set Nature Free," an initiative founded by Honetschläger, is also making waves in Linz. An area in Heilham has been designated as a "non-human-zone" as part of this initiative, and visitors can sponsor it. The initiative also includes renaturation measures, with areas designated as "non-human-zones" being returned to insects as their habitat.
The Crossing Europe film festival, taking place from April 29 to May 4, will dedicate a local artist special to Honetschläger. The special will feature film discussions about his creative process. A special exhibition for Edgar Honetschläger will also take place during the festival.
Visitors to the staircase at the Nordico are greeted by drawn swarms of insects with sound effects, adding an immersive element to the exhibition. The exhibition can be visited for free with a festival pass, making it accessible to all.
As we navigate through the exhibition, it's clear that Honetschläger's spatial approach in his work is rooted in traditional Eastern art. His work is a call to action, urging us to reconsider our relationship with nature and to take steps towards conservation.
Founded by environmental activist Jürgen Gadau, "GoBugsGo - Set Nature Free" focuses on raising awareness about insect conservation and promoting measures such as habitat protection, creating insect-friendly environments, and reducing pesticide use. Honetschläger's work is a powerful testament to the importance of these initiatives.
In a world where nature is under threat, Honetschläger's exhibition serves as a reminder of the beauty and importance of insects. It's a call to action, urging us to take steps towards conservation and to see insects as more than just a part of the ecosystem.
The "Give Nature a Break" exhibition at the Nordico is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, nature conservation, or both. It's a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Honetschläger's thought-provoking work and to learn more about the "GoBugsGo - Set Nature Free" initiative.
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