DFBRL8R is proud to present the first exhibition at our new location:
FAT PIG
a solo show by
VERONIKA MERKLEIN (Germany/Austria)
Opening and durational performance: SAT 7 FEB | 7-11PM
featuring SHARON HOYER, CHRIS PUENTE, EMER KINSELLA and ANGELA TRAKAS
new location > 1463 W CHICAGO AVE | $10 requested donation
Video screening: WED 11 FEB | 7PM
Light brunch and artist talk SAT 14 FEB | noon
Gallery hours SUN 8 FEB > SAT 14 FEB | 12-6PM
FAT PIG is a celebration of body diversity, especially fat bodies. VERONIKA MERKLEIN takes a keen look at the psychological precariousness we feel when we differ physically from the world around us. Merklein’s overweight/chubby/plus-size/heavy-set body is a catalyst in her mission to redefine fat identity. Her works orbit around performance immanent topics, pop cultural and sociopolitical phenomenons, and her own writings about the pure and brutal (inner) life of human beings. Veronika shines a light on those who, because of their bodies, become victims of corporate, political or medical speculation. Her research encompasses obesity and similar issues such as industrialized and capitalist food production, arbitrary dietary criteria, corrupt safety research, faulty monitoring systems, devious marketing strategies, and rampant discriminatory practices regarding weight, health and nutrition.
“Cabaret artists do not laugh at their own jokes.” This is how VERONIKA MERKLEIN sees herself as an artist. In her multimedia performance works involving, food, text, photography, object, and installation, she stages herself as the protagonist. Born in 1982, the German artist lives and works mainly in Vienna. Merklein enjoyed her artistic education at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna and the School of Art and Design Kassel. In 2012, she worked on the research project “archiv performativ” at Zurich University of the Arts. She has received funding for several creative projects and a scholarship for her diploma work at the Austrian Federal Ministry for Science and Research. Currently she is a Chicago artist-in-residence through the Federal Chancellery of Austria.
In addition to the performance there will be regular gallery hours SUNDAY 8 FEBRUARY through SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY from 12-6PM to view videos, photos, and objects by the artist; a video screening on WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY at 7PM; and a light brunch and ARTIST TALK on SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY at Noon. A $5-10 donation is requested for most events.
VIDEO SCREENING contains works selected by the artist that that align with her artistic research : EILEEN ROSENSTEEL, RACHEL HERRICK, JULISCHKA STENGELE, AISHA OXLEY, FRÉDÉRIC MOFFET, MARIA RAQUEL COCHEZ.
SPONSORS:
Federal Chancellery of Austria, Austrian Cultural Forum New York, Radical Root Organic Farm
