Lia Harkes

From large-scale multimedia installations in public space to intimate short videos in abandoned buildings or galleries. She is not afraid of new techniques. In her work she zooms in on current social issues for instance the borders of Ireland, people in despair, desexing. The up-tune is also an item, with playfullness and joy. Always with a twist, a relaxed approach to her subject. This makes her work less stressful, she seduces gently. In her short videos you are close to the skin of her characters, whereby emotions and physicality become palpable. In the animations painted with rough strokes, everything is moving. The paint between abstraction and figuration. What are they doing? Is the boxer down after the victory or after loss? Is the bird free or just a picture as a tattoo on the skin? Does the swimmer throw himself into the sea in despair or is search of freedom? The visitor can decide for himself. Sometimes she shows the video projected on a large scale at special locations, sometimes on a monitor in a gallery. The impact varies, but remains. For her large-scale, immersive, installations she claims a place in the public space. She was commissioned for well-known locations, such as the Hofvijver at The Hague, the Leuvehoofd at Rotterdam, the Pier of Scheveningen or a former control tower. With a wide variety of visual resources: video and laser projections, music, sound, computer-controlled light and constructions, the place is transformed after sunset. The visitor will see this familiar place with different eyes. After the installation is gone, only the reminder remains. These projects attract many visitors, with 70,000 visitors being no exception. She carries out the large-scale projects on behalf of municipalities, companies, the EU and subsidies. Many of these installations were made in collaboration with artist Peter ten Wolde (as HtW).