Between belief and delusions
Levi van Veluw
Eduardo Secci
Florence,from November 19 to January 15, 2022
Opening: Friday, November 19, 4:00 - 8:00
Exhibition walkthrough video available online
Exhibition view, Between belief and delusions, Levi van Veluw, 2021, Florence, Photo Stefano Maniero, Courtesy the artist and Eduardo Secci, Florence, Milan
Eduardo Secci is pleased to announce the solo show “Between belief and delusions” of Levi van Veluw at the exhibition space in Florence, from November 19 to January 15, 2022.
The Dutch multi-disciplinary artist presents a new body of clay sculptures in the tradition of Beyond Matter. Within this series of blue polymer works, van Veluw investigates the relation between the rational, the spiritual and the material. By making images of religious artifacts, the artist questions our desire to make faith tangible. As grandson of a pastor, he has been fascinated by rituals since his childhood.
The concept of “belief” has been questioned for centuries, in epistemology, for instance, philosophers, use this term to refer to attitudes we have whenever we take something to be the case or regard it as true. To believe something or hold a belief does not require active introspection actually, sometimes humans simply assume concepts as to be the truth. Forming beliefs is thus one of the most basic and important features of the mind, and the element of belief plays a crucial role, especially in much of epistemology, which revolves around questions about when and how our beliefs are justified or qualify as knowledge.
In his new exhibition titled “Between belief and delusions”, Levi van Veluw sheds light on a specific matter: when does a belief come to a delusion? Within this project, the artist examines and creates a visual vocabulary where the thought is swallowed up by all imagination. His sculptural works aim at provoking to get lost in their illusion. These objects, alluding to those tokens long associated with the spiritual aspects of life, develop a feeling of confusion in the observer who looks at a product of imagination rather than a divine form.
This series of works includes a dynamic element by incorporating mechanics, hidden from view, inside the clay sculpture. The heart of this engine is powered by a spring. Through a ritual act such as turning the sculpture or another repetitive movement, the objects come to life and create a hallucinatory and immersive effect.
Moreover, in one space, the entire wall is covered with an intense and powerful pattern. The dimensions are large and force the viewer to feel small and insignificant. The complexity and slow movement make you disoriented. The work tries to attract you, lure you in, but at the same time, you want to look away and escape from this delusion.
The exhibition walkthrough video with the artist will be online at: www.eduardosecci.com/exhibitions.
Levi van Veluw, Planetary chapel, 2021, polymer clay, metal mechanics, 51 x 46 x 71 cm (20 x 18.1 x 27.9 in), Photo Stefano Maniero, Courtesy the artist and Eduardo Secci, Florence, Milan
Levi van Veluw, detail, Planetary chapel, 2021, polymer clay, metal mechanics, 51 x 46 x 71 cm (20 x 18.1 x 27.9 in), Photo Stefano Maniero, Courtesy the artist and Eduardo Secci, Florence, Milan
Exhibition view, Between belief and delusions, Levi van Veluw, 2021, Florence, Photo Stefano Maniero, Courtesy the artist and Eduardo Secci, Florence, Milan
Levi van Veluw was born in the Dutch town of Hoevelaken in 1985 and studied at the ArtEZ Institute of the Arts in Arnhem. He lives and works in Amsterdam. Since graduating in 2007, he has produced multi-disciplinary works that span scenographic installations, photographs, videos, sculptures, and drawings.
Van Veluw bases his practice around the idea of an alternate reality, creating a visual laboratory where both order and chaos are present. The Dutch artist has extensively investigated the relativity of matter and draws on scientific theories and physics to approach various existential dilemmas. His dark and sensory installations encourage the viewer to reflect on the development of a new knowledge, stemming from the desire for a regulated universe, while acknowledging the rational impossibility of total control.
Among his recent solo shows: Videocittà Rome (2021); Eduardo Secci, Florence (2020); Rijksmuseum Twenthe, Enschede, the Netherlands (2020); Praz-Delavallade, Paris (2020); Het HEM, Zaandam, the Netherlands (2020); Tenuta Dello Scompiglio, Lucca, Italy (2019); Domaine de Kerguéhennec, Bignan, France (2018); La Galerie Particulière, Paris (2017); Galerie Ron Mandos, Amsterdam (2019); Rosenfeld Porcini Gallery, London (2016). Among his group exhibitions: Museo Kranenburgh, Bergen, the Netherlands (2017); labellisée Normandie Impressonniste, Jumièges, France (2016); Museum de Fundatie, Zwolle, the Netherlands (2016); Maddox Arts, London (2015). His works are in both public and private collections, including Borusan Contemporary Collection, Caldic Collection, Ekard Collection, and KPMG Art Collection.
Eduardo Secci is an Italian gallery founded in 2013 in Florence with a second location in Milan from June 2021. Both spaces present a double program featuring the exhibitions of the main gallery and NOVO, its new independent experimental space.
Eduardo Secci Firenze
Between belief and delusions - Levi van Veluw
From November 19 to January 15, 2022
NOVO Firenze
Marco Eusepi
Curated by Pier Paolo Pancotto
From November 19 to January 15, 2022
Opening: Friday, November 19, 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Piazza Goldoni 2, Florence, Italy / +39 055 661356 / firenze@eduardosecci.com
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 1:30 pm / 2:30 - 7:00 pm
Eduardo Secci Milano
Vibrato - Stanley Casselman
Curated by David Anfam
From December 9 to February 5, 2022
NOVO Milano
Bright Beneath - Kristian Touborg
From December 9 to February 5, 2022
Opening: Thursday, December 9, 6:00 - 9:00 pm; Press preview: 4:00 pm
Via Zenale 3, Milan, Italy / +39 02 38248728 / milano@eduardosecci.com
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 1:30 pm / 2:30 - 7:00 pm
www.eduardosecci.com / gallery@eduardosecci.com / IG @eduardoseccigallery / FB @eduardoseccicontemporary
www.novo.ooo / hello@novo.ooo / IG @novo_projects / FB @NOVOprojects
Exhibition walkthroughs videos with artists and curators: www.eduardosecci.com/it/exhibitions - www.novo.ooo/it/exhibitions
Press Office: THE KNACK STUDIO / Tamara Lorenzi
tamara@theknackstudio.com / +39 347 0712934
info@theknackstudio.com / www.theknackstudio.com
Between belief and delusions
Levi van Veluw
Eduardo Secci
Florence,from November 19 to January 15, 2022
Opening: Friday, November 19, 4:00 - 8:00
Exhibition walkthrough video available online
Exhibition view, Between belief and delusions, Levi van Veluw, 2021, Florence, Photo Stefano Maniero, Courtesy the artist and Eduardo Secci, Florence, Milan
Eduardo Secci is pleased to announce the solo show “Between belief and delusions” of Levi van Veluw at the exhibition space in Florence, from November 19 to January 15, 2022.
The Dutch multi-disciplinary artist presents a new body of clay sculptures in the tradition of Beyond Matter. Within this series of blue polymer works, van Veluw investigates the relation between the rational, the spiritual and the material. By making images of religious artifacts, the artist questions our desire to make faith tangible. As grandson of a pastor, he has been fascinated by rituals since his childhood.
The concept of “belief” has been questioned for centuries, in epistemology, for instance, philosophers, use this term to refer to attitudes we have whenever we take something to be the case or regard it as true. To believe something or hold a belief does not require active introspection actually, sometimes humans simply assume concepts as to be the truth. Forming beliefs is thus one of the most basic and important features of the mind, and the element of belief plays a crucial role, especially in much of epistemology, which revolves around questions about when and how our beliefs are justified or qualify as knowledge.
In his new exhibition titled “Between belief and delusions”, Levi van Veluw sheds light on a specific matter: when does a belief come to a delusion? Within this project, the artist examines and creates a visual vocabulary where the thought is swallowed up by all imagination. His sculptural works aim at provoking to get lost in their illusion. These objects, alluding to those tokens long associated with the spiritual aspects of life, develop a feeling of confusion in the observer who looks at a product of imagination rather than a divine form.
This series of works includes a dynamic element by incorporating mechanics, hidden from view, inside the clay sculpture. The heart of this engine is powered by a spring. Through a ritual act such as turning the sculpture or another repetitive movement, the objects come to life and create a hallucinatory and immersive effect.
Moreover, in one space, the entire wall is covered with an intense and powerful pattern. The dimensions are large and force the viewer to feel small and insignificant. The complexity and slow movement make you disoriented. The work tries to attract you, lure you in, but at the same time, you want to look away and escape from this delusion.
The exhibition walkthrough video with the artist will be online at: www.eduardosecci.com/exhibitions.
Levi van Veluw, Planetary chapel, 2021, polymer clay, metal mechanics, 51 x 46 x 71 cm (20 x 18.1 x 27.9 in), Photo Stefano Maniero, Courtesy the artist and Eduardo Secci, Florence, Milan
Levi van Veluw, detail, Planetary chapel, 2021, polymer clay, metal mechanics, 51 x 46 x 71 cm (20 x 18.1 x 27.9 in), Photo Stefano Maniero, Courtesy the artist and Eduardo Secci, Florence, Milan
Exhibition view, Between belief and delusions, Levi van Veluw, 2021, Florence, Photo Stefano Maniero, Courtesy the artist and Eduardo Secci, Florence, Milan
Levi van Veluw was born in the Dutch town of Hoevelaken in 1985 and studied at the ArtEZ Institute of the Arts in Arnhem. He lives and works in Amsterdam. Since graduating in 2007, he has produced multi-disciplinary works that span scenographic installations, photographs, videos, sculptures, and drawings.
Van Veluw bases his practice around the idea of an alternate reality, creating a visual laboratory where both order and chaos are present. The Dutch artist has extensively investigated the relativity of matter and draws on scientific theories and physics to approach various existential dilemmas. His dark and sensory installations encourage the viewer to reflect on the development of a new knowledge, stemming from the desire for a regulated universe, while acknowledging the rational impossibility of total control.
Among his recent solo shows: Videocittà Rome (2021); Eduardo Secci, Florence (2020); Rijksmuseum Twenthe, Enschede, the Netherlands (2020); Praz-Delavallade, Paris (2020); Het HEM, Zaandam, the Netherlands (2020); Tenuta Dello Scompiglio, Lucca, Italy (2019); Domaine de Kerguéhennec, Bignan, France (2018); La Galerie Particulière, Paris (2017); Galerie Ron Mandos, Amsterdam (2019); Rosenfeld Porcini Gallery, London (2016). Among his group exhibitions: Museo Kranenburgh, Bergen, the Netherlands (2017); labellisée Normandie Impressonniste, Jumièges, France (2016); Museum de Fundatie, Zwolle, the Netherlands (2016); Maddox Arts, London (2015). His works are in both public and private collections, including Borusan Contemporary Collection, Caldic Collection, Ekard Collection, and KPMG Art Collection.
Eduardo Secci is an Italian gallery founded in 2013 in Florence with a second location in Milan from June 2021. Both spaces present a double program featuring the exhibitions of the main gallery and NOVO, its new independent experimental space.
Eduardo Secci Firenze
Between belief and delusions - Levi van Veluw
From November 19 to January 15, 2022
NOVO Firenze
Marco Eusepi
Curated by Pier Paolo Pancotto
From November 19 to January 15, 2022
Opening: Friday, November 19, 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Piazza Goldoni 2, Florence, Italy / +39 055 661356 / firenze@eduardosecci.com
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 1:30 pm / 2:30 - 7:00 pm
Eduardo Secci Milano
Vibrato - Stanley Casselman
Curated by David Anfam
From December 9 to February 5, 2022
NOVO Milano
Bright Beneath - Kristian Touborg
From December 9 to February 5, 2022
Opening: Thursday, December 9, 6:00 - 9:00 pm; Press preview: 4:00 pm
Via Zenale 3, Milan, Italy / +39 02 38248728 / milano@eduardosecci.com
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 1:30 pm / 2:30 - 7:00 pm
www.eduardosecci.com / gallery@eduardosecci.com / IG @eduardoseccigallery / FB @eduardoseccicontemporary
www.novo.ooo / hello@novo.ooo / IG @novo_projects / FB @NOVOprojects
Exhibition walkthroughs videos with artists and curators: www.eduardosecci.com/it/exhibitions - www.novo.ooo/it/exhibitions
Press Office: THE KNACK STUDIO / Tamara Lorenzi
tamara@theknackstudio.com / +39 347 0712934
info@theknackstudio.com / www.theknackstudio.com
