still tv show ´Zomergasten´
During a three-hour interview program of the VPRO, where guests can show a selection of film clips, Erik van Lieshout showed a fragment of Borinage (1934). Van Lieshout, internationally one of the most famous Dutch contemporary artists, was fascinated by crisis, places, people and artworks created by crisis. In the interview Van Lieshoutcalled Ivens` film Borinage a point of reference, especially the aesthetic properties of black and white, and the social struggle.
With fierce charcoal drawings, videos and publik installations Van Lieshout wants to play a social role as an artist. At a time of personal crisis, he was inspired by Ivens` Borinage.Van Lieshout`s himself made an own interpretation of Borinage: an animated film with wood charcoal, black and white. He placed workers against capitalists and the police.Back to basics, because he had to edit the movie himself, without help from his regular editor, who was in the hospital. The film ´Editing suite; (2009) is part of an installation of charcoal drawings and film stills from Ivens.
Van Lieshout placed himself with this work strongly in the tradition of the avant-garde of the twenties and thirties of the last century. And with the major inspiration behind this generation of Dutch artists: Vincent van Gogh. These artists are modern and engaged, they feel solidarity with workers and people who are victims of exploitation. But instead of envisioning a hopeful utopia, Van Lieshout shows a dystopia.