Arc Sculpture

Tjalling Visser (Utrecht, 1980) explores the phenomenon of ‘playing’ as an intrinsic part of his art and artistry. His sculptures and installations, mostly built from battered toy parts, are characterized by the temporariness of their existence. Over time, complete sculptures may be expanded to become installations, only to be dismantled again to create separate elements that can then be re-used in new sculptures. In this working process, Visser disconnects his materials from their original context and the materials themselves become decisive for the way they are used. The playful spontaneity in this process, is also indicative of the way the artist wants the viewer to approach and interpret his work. By using recognizable elements that immediately trigger associations and memories, he invites the viewer to become part of the work and play along. Looking carefully at Visser’s work, it becomes clear that it doesn’t suffice to speak of an ‘element of play’ or playfulness in his work: playing is key to his artistic process.