Berlinde De Bruyckere "No Life Lost" @ Hauser and Wirth in New York

Belgian artist Berlinde De Bruyckereโ€™s work is currently on view at Hauser & Wirth in New York. The solo exhibition No Life Lost is centered by the monumental project Kreupelhout โ€“ Cripplewood, an ambitious work composed of wax, wood, fabric, blankets and ropes, reminiscent of a decomposed stack of bones. The almost entirely dark exhibition space underlines the macabre atmosphere created by the eerie art pieces. De Bruyckereโ€™s work is informed by traditional Flemish Renaissance paintings whose influence she translates into a contemporary psychological terrain of pathos, tenderness and repulsion. Skin-like draperies are hanging from the ceiling and hauntingly distorted animal carcasses are presented on tables and glass vitrines. The artistโ€™s interested in the dualities of the human condition are immediately apparent to the viewer. The ordinarily repulsive vision of a decomposing animal carcass becomes alluring while the shrine-like presentation allows for a sense of quiet respect. No Life Lost will be on view at Houser & Wirth until April 2, 2016. Text and photographs by Adriana Pauly