Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen‘s (b. 1971, Aalborg) most recent production End of Dreams is an ode to the countless lives that have been lost by those attempting to traverse the Mediterranean Sea in order to reach Europe.
End of Dreams consists of a multi-media installation comprising a five-channel HD video shot under the sea, and a composition of the only remains that could be found of 48 concrete-canvas sculptures. In 2014 these sculptures were submerged in the sea and the plan was to then exhibit them with their patina of organisms and wear.
During this process a violent storm ravaged the raft holding them in place and the remnants were scattered far and wide. Believing that the intervention of nature added to the narrative of the piece, Larsen hired divers to film the scene and collect all the debris and sculptures that could be found.Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen has worked on the issues and dangers of migration in different geographies for a number of years.
His most recent production End of Dreams — produced during a residency at the Italian art organization, qwatz — is an ode to the countless lives that have been lost by those attempting to traverse the Mediterranean Sea in order to reach Europe. Initially envisioning End of Dreams as a sculptural installation, in 2014 Larsen began his work by submerging 48 concrete-canvas sculptures off the coast of Pizzo Calabro in Calabria, South Italy. The plan was to allow these sculptures, which are reminiscent of body bags, to slowly acquire a patina of sea organisms. They were then to be removed from the sea and exhibited as a sculptural constellation marked by the wear and tear of the sea.
- Artists:
Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen - Open:
Friday, 06 February 2015 - Close:
Sunday, 29 March 2015 - Address:
Bankalar Caddesi 11 Karaköy 34420 İstanbul - Phone:
+90 212 377 42 00 - Web:
SALT - Opening hour:
Tue – Sat | 12noon – 8pm; Sun | 12noon – 6pm - Closing day:
Mon - Admission:
Free - Photo credits:
1. Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen, End of Dreams, 2015 Video still Courtesy the artist 2. Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen, End of Dreams, 2015, Photo: Eva Castagna (2014) 3. Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen, End of Dreams, 2015, Photo: Domenico Gallelli (2014) 4. Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen, End of Dreams, 2015 Video still Courtesy the artist
