K+D+K

http://www.kendekeyser.com

Ken De Keyser was born in 1982 in Hamme, Belgium.
He studied Visual Arts at Sint-Lukas in Brussels (2000-2004)
Today he lives and works in Ghent, Antwerp en Brussels.

“Ken De Keyser explores contemporary visual culture and creates in an attempt to nauseate
the insatiable needs of a media dependent generation.” - NYSometing

“He analyzes and rehashes, strips it of her trusted code and spits it back
with apparent randomness. He selects and evaluates, comments and manipulates.
He mocks the viewer, who is hiding behind the subject.” - Random Berliner

“It seems as if his concepts seek the end of conceptualism.” - Thank Magazine

“He’s a martyr for a new era.” - The artist’s mother

“ Radically humorous and shockingly unsensational.” - J.Birdth

“ K+D+K is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Ken De Keyser is
running amok in elite-troops. This project will evaporate slowly, together
with everyone involved. It’s brilliant.” - J.Hitler

“ Clearly inspired by great cinematographers like Hitchcock and Wiseman, his art
incorporates elements of dada, concept- and pop art. With his latest work, he pays
tribute to another belgian artist and postmodernist, Marcel Broodthaers. - Hype magazine

CONTACT

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K+D+K//GESPRÄCH with Hilde Van Canneyt @ S.M.A.K.

ABOUT K+D+K

One frame of eye contact between artist and visitors of exhibition openings uncovers a great paradox: the artist’s search for acknowledgement in a scene he condems. This curious moment often reveals the visitor’s motivation for being present, while every single glance acknowledges the artist’s presence - and thus - his artistry.

Ken De Keyser selects and manipulates the footage he recorded to recreate a new art event. On the opening night of this new exhibition, spectators are again recorded together with the created installation. Spectators become subject to other spectators. By doing so, ‘K+D+K’ claims its space in elitist art scene: registering, documenting and reporting the events intensively through various channels to mark the brand. It’s an incestuous concept, an empty box, disguised as a hype. This ongoing project will finally lead to nothing but grain, revealing it’s true nature.

‘K+D+K’ is more than just institutional critique. It’s rooted in the artists research to visual culture, marketing, the public impact and social role of the elite, social networks and people in relation to art and new popular massmedia. The phenomenological aspect of this campaign probably has more value than its straight forward critique.