Mark Jenkins
"I first create a social experience. I could be a sociologist. I think I'm exploring something that goes beyond art. It's a different experience." - Mark Jenkins
Mark Jenkins (b. 1970, USA) transforms Artstübli into an overarching experiential space with life-size, hyper-realistic sculptures.
In various poses and sometimes in interaction, the figures mirror our human actions and stand as metaphors for contemporary society. The faces are obscured by masks or hoods, the artist thus preventing an emphatic connection that looking into a human face could trigger. Feelings of alienation, surprise as well as irritation are heightened and the focus is on the posture and presence of the sculptures.
Jenkins is able to evoke an interaction and emotional response from both human and image through the masterful composition as well as execution of his works. Indeed, Jenkins’ installations are able to sow doubt between fiction and reality through the interaction between his art and the audience, which is the essence of the artist’s work. Whether he places them in a public space or a gallery, the sculptures represent an exploration of human connection – a mirror held up to our understanding of the world.
Opening hours during Art Basel:
Wed – Sun: 11am – 6 pm
