FOMU | Mariken Wessels: TAKING OFF. HENRY MY NEIGHBOR
Taking Off is the factual image story of a failed marriage.
Replete with the sexual frustrations and voyeurism that characterised the relationship, the exhibition introduces us to Henry’s obsessions with photography. His wife, Martha, has lived under his yoke for years, heedlessly posing for his extravagant nude studies. Mariken Wessels (NL, °1963) acquired the complete private collection through acquaintances in the United States.
Wessels set about reconstructing Henry’s marriage, work and life. Taking Off depicts the various stages in his obsession. She takes as her point of departure some 5,500 black-and-white nudes, dozens of collages and several clay figurines. Taking Off takes us on a journey into the secretive, private world of Henry and his muse. Wessels becomes their confidant. She presents their story as an artistic plea for the recognition of Martha’s courage in exposing her husband’s creative madness.
Curated by Joachim Naudts.
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Opinion on: Taking Off. Henry My Neighbor
Marc Lenot, ArteCapital Magazine, April 29, 2022 -
Taking Off. Henry My Neighbor
Apollon, Apollon Magazine, April 4, 2022 -
Taking Off. Henry My Neighbor
Red Glasses, Le Monde, January 21, 2022 -
Mariken Wessels vertelt over Taking Off, Henry my neighbor | deel 2
We Like Art, July 3, 2015 -
Mariken Wessels vertelt over Taking Off, Henry my neighbor | deel 1
We Like Art, July 3, 2015
