Julien Viala at ART DEMO DAY

Cologne

With a minimalist approach, Julien Viala plays around with the concept of space. Examining materials, their transparency, use and reflection, it is construction tools and structures that define the shape and visual vocabulary of his art. Viala’s art is conceptual and essential and focuses on the milieu it is exposed in.

The Paris-born and Munich-raised artist graduated from the Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Kunste Stuttgart in 2012. Since then, he exhibits all over Germany.

From November 21 on, his works will be on display in the group exhibition ART DEMO DAY. Florian Waldvogel, the curator of the show, sat down with Julien Viala to talk art and politics.

Florian Waldvogel: What has been formative during your studies?
Julien Viala: This is a difficult question as there are a lot of factors playing along. What certainly has been formative was the encounter with my professors.

FW: To what extent are social references important for your work?
JV: It all depends on the individual works, as these often or even always occur in specific situations. I first search for references, concatenations and structures that interest me in the immediate vicinity. From this starting point, I go on finding references that belong to bigger circles. Thus, it’s impossible for me, to avoid social references. I like it when formal means provide space for abstraction and art works are not recognizable such at first sight but merge with the social or societal context of the environment. In my practice, social references are not necessarily in the foreground, but they play a significant role indeed. In other words: they exist and characterize the way I work, no matter what means I use.

FW: What is an exhibition?
An exhibition is a great opportunity for the artists to present works in public. He can pick up the recipient and provide a room in which he can set up and share his practice. It is a societal and social space as well.

ART DEMO DAY

Read the interview in German / Zum Interview auf Deutsch