Jochem Hendricks

Jochem Hendricks is a contemporary artist from Germany. He is known for his works that address complex moral and ethical issues. The objects he produces are often beautifully realised, yet beneath the surface lie elaborate back stories, which – at times – test the boundaries of legality. His practise ranges from sculpture, film and photography to instillation and sculpture. Hendricks' work explores the value and meaning of labour, truth and story-telling, ethics and the role of the artist.

Some of Hendricks' work can be deemed rather controversial. For example, his work 'Cold Birds' which involved transforming dead birds into carbon, then ultra-pure graphite, and finally presented on a plinth as rough diamonds surrounded with a ring of plucked feathers. Even more shocking is 'Left Defender's Right Leg' a diamond created from the surgically removed limb of a footballer. With his work, it's not just about the end result, but about the processes as well and he also wants people to feel slightly uncomfortable about his work.

I first came across his work last year when he had an exhibition on at the Walsall New Art gallery, and started to research him when I noticed some similarities between some of his work and my sculpture work at the moment. His piece 'Collapsed Avatar' is a collection of collapsed porcelain and platinum busts. The life like casts and shine of the busts give create quite an alien and eerie atmosphere. I personally think it makes you question what you thought about art and how something broken could still be considered art. 

gcEven more shocking