Jorrit van de Waal – Mechanimal Life
Frank Mohr Institute

Jorrit van de Waal assigns behavioural properties to found objects, which results in animal-like kinetic sculptures. Van de Waal looks for the right balance in his sculptures; they should have a humorous effect while also evoking a sincere aspect of wonder. Without the proper attribution of motion and interaction, combined with the right materials and techniques, the tension between comical and poetic reality could easily be disrupted.

Since the sculptures are interactive, the role of the beholder in relation to the sculptures is of great importance. The viewing mode is comparable to the interaction between visitors and animals at the zoo. With his sculptures, Van de Waal intends to have the viewer reflect on the subjectivity of perception and realise that meaning and opinions can easily be transformed. Additionally, the combination of existing objects and moving additives in the resulting animals are reminiscent of cabinets of curiosities. The viewer is invited to go on a curious and wondrous journey through the exhibition, like a nineteenth-century scientific adventurer.

nomination ‘Youngblood’ award GOGBOT festival 2018 Enschede
nomination ‘Hollands Nieuwe’ award Galerie Bart Nijmegen
nomination ‘Sprouts New Talents’ Award SBK Amsterdam