Vanmechelen, Koen | Janus, 2005 — available on Composition Gallery

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With certificate signed by the artist - Pile of pure New Zealand wool, artificial silk and linen

Janus by Koen Vanmechelen, created in 2005, is an intricate tapestry that combines artistic and biological themes, characteristic of Vanmechelen's work focused on animal life and genetic diversity. This piece, made from a blend of New Zealand wool, artificial silk, and linen, depicts the head of a chicken with intense detail, emphasizing texture and expression. The tapestry's title, Janus, alludes to the two-faced Roman god, symbolizing duality and transitions, possibly reflecting the merging of natural and artificial, or past and future. The use of rich, textured materials gives the piece a tactile quality, inviting viewers to engage with its layered meaning on both a physical and conceptual level.

Koen Vanmechelen (Belgium, 1965) is a conceptual artist renowned for his 'Cosmopolitan Chicken Project,' which explores biodiversity and social issues through crossbreeding chickens from around the world. His interdisciplinary work bridges art, science, and philosophy, focusing on themes of identity, genetics, and coexistence.

Koen Vanmechelen

Janus, 2005

Name: Janus, 2005
SKU: 3498
Price: 1900.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Form

Tapestry

Tapestry Tapestry is a woven form of textile. It is generally heavy, and the completed work has a decorative pattern, design or realistic depiction of a portrait or real life activities. Tapestries were hung on castle walls and behind thrones as symbols of royal authority.

Medium

Tapestry

TapestryTapestry is a heavy, handwoven textile featuring intricate designs or images woven directly into the fabric. Created by skilled weavers using materials like wool, linen, cotton, silk, and sometimes silver and gold threads, tapestries have historically served as art pieces, decorations, insulation, and symbols of authority.

Edition

Edition of 24

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●Inventory 3498

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With certificate signed by the artist - Pile of pure New Zealand wool, artificial silk and linen

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We need to rebalance nature to save humanity.
- Koen Vanmechelen

Koen Vanmechelens' work centers around biodiversity and identity, with his most famous piece work being the Cosmopolitan Chicken Project. He uses multiple artistic tools in his work depending on the type of project and it is his unique attitude to art which has given him so much fame. Vanmechelen has worked with a range of different art mediums and tools in his work, from painting to sculpture to video and everything in between. Originally starting out as an assemblage artist, creating wooden structures and bird cages, he continued to evolve and grow as an artist. From there he transformed into a conceptual artist, and finally an interdisciplinary artist. He continues to use science and birds in his work because he is attempting to connect humanity and ideas together. Vanmechelen's art allows him to be right in the centre of society as he continues to engage with people. While his work continues to take on many different shapes and forms, Koen Vanmechelen continues to involve the ideas of science in his work so that he may challenge his viewers. (Artist website)

Artwork by John Baldessari

What is conceptual art?

Sometimes referred to as Conceptualism, this is an art form where the idea(s) or concept(s) behind the work take precedence over material concerns and traditional aesthetics. Many conceptual artworks can be created by anyone simply by following written instructions. The concept or idea is the most essential aspect of the artwork.

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Koen Vanmechelen

Janus, 2005

240 x 240 cm

Language & Currency

Koen Vanmechelen