During Rotterdam Art Week
Welcome to the living room of the Armchair Anarchist. Surrounded by furniture whose hardcore aesthetic reflects the personality of an anarchist, theories that rarely come to life are proclaimed from an armchair. The political and religious symbols that surround him are at odds with the libertarian-socialist ideals he claims to pursue. With an impressive arsenal of weapons within reach, the comfortable chairs provide an excuse to leave the homemade weapons gathering dust in the closet. What remains is only a critical voice against the ruling authority.
With these contrasts, Atelier Van Lieshout underscores the paradox underlying the Armchair Anarchist. At the same time, the exhibition questions our current way of campaigning in times of geopolitical unrest. What is it that prevents this anarchist from taking real action? Is it laziness, or paralysis caused by the abundance of crises? And, aren't we all a bit of an armchair anarchist, now that we can speak out against the ruling order from our beds with a single post on social media, thereby appeasing our conscience?
Welcome to the living room of the Armchair Anarchist. Surrounded by furniture whose hardcore aesthetic reflects the personality of an anarchist, theories that rarely come to life are proclaimed from an armchair. The political and religious symbols that surround him are at odds with the libertarian-socialist ideals he claims to pursue. With an impressive arsenal of weapons within reach, the comfortable chairs provide an excuse to leave the homemade weapons gathering dust in the closet. What remains is only a critical voice against the ruling authority.
With these contrasts, Atelier Van Lieshout underscores the paradox underlying the Armchair Anarchist. At the same time, the exhibition questions our current way of campaigning in times of geopolitical unrest. What is it that prevents this anarchist from taking real action? Is it laziness, or paralysis caused by the abundance of crises? And, aren't we all a bit of an armchair anarchist, now that we can speak out against the ruling order from our beds with a single post on social media, thereby appeasing our conscience?