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ESNS and Kunstpunt Present ESNS Art: Exhausted Society Explored in Michiel Teeuw's Performance

In the upcoming edition of ESNS, two temporary art installations will adorn the Grote Markt in Groningen. ESNS and Kunstpunt have once again joined forces for a captivating intersection of art and music under the banner of ESNS Art. Festival-goers and residents of Groningen alike have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with local visual art talent. This year, the organizations have commissioned artist Michiel Teeuw for the festival, tasking him with reflecting on a potential future. Teeuw presents the performance Rocks, Resting, in which the artist intriguingly tackles a very timely theme: the exhausted society. Additionally, a series of graphic posters created by Montessori (vak)lyceum students will be exhibited. The artworks will be showcased in the festival heart from January 18 to 20.

By: Redactie
15 January 2024

Rocks, Resting

The performance Rocks, Resting provides an oasis of tranquility in the bustling festival and city center on the Grote Markt. With this performance, artist Michiel Teeuw explores our exhausted society. What leads so many people to exhaustion, and what would a rested society look like? Can we create space for different rhythms of life in our high-speed society? To explore these questions, Michiel collaborates with various individuals, exhausted due to illness and disability, burnouts, and societal discrimination. The performance will take place intermittently on the Grote Markt during Eurosonic Air:

  • Thursday, January 18

    • 19:30 - 20:15
    • 21:00 - 21:45

  • Friday, January 19

    • 19:30 - 20:15
    • 21:00 - 21:45

  • Saturday, January 20

    • 12:00 - 12:30
    • 13:15 - 13:45
    • 14:30 - 15:00

Future Writing

How does the younger generation perceive our exhausted society? During workshops led by Michiel Teeuw and spoken word artist Cissy Joan, students from the Groninger Montessori (vak)lyceum pondered this question. The result is a series of typographic posters expressing their stances on topics such as exhaustion, work pressure, mental health, and the economy. Throughout the festival, new posters will be added daily to the billboard on the Grote Markt.

About Michiel Teeuw

Michiel Teeuw is an artist and designer navigating the realms of image, text, and action. His work promotes tangible, critical, and direct engagement with the systems surrounding him and us. This can manifest in various forms, whether it's performing, designing publications, or guiding groups. Michiel earned his bachelor's degree in 'graphic and interactive design' from Academie Minerva.

Want to learn more about Michiel Teeuw? Visit his website: https://michielteeuw.nl/

Rocks, Resting is an artwork by Michiel Teeuw commissioned by ESNS and Kunstpunt Groningen. ESNS Art is made possible with the support of the Mondriaan Fonds and the ELJA Foundation.