Jockel Liess

Artist Statement

Jockel Liess creates complex sound and video installations, that in its form and structure derive form and building on artistic traditions related to visual and musical minimalism. In his mainly abstract work, the synaesthetic relation between sound and image forms an often interconnecting entity. Contained in this entity, chaos, chance and indeterminacy as accoutring naturally in every day life, as well as the use of these attribute within a tightly controlled theoretical concept, form the basis of visual and acoustic movement and change. The mathematical relations of frequencies in the practice of microtonality and ideas of 20th century structural composition are hereby providing a framework for the implementation of his artistic projects. As a fundamental principle, the time-based installations employ the notion of a constant audio/visual environment. The foundation of each individual piece is thereby not determined by a specific beginning or end, but rather by a non-durational underlying thought or emotion. Existing as a prolonged constant, this thought or emotion is isolated and detached form any natural surrounding, and stands purely on its own. Sculptural characteristics of the often site-specific work are composed to enhance the detached experience of the work, by creating an immersive atmosphere that invites the viewer to physically submerse, and erode the boundaries between the audience and the installation.