Annie Gentils Gallery

Stefaan Dheedene worked on a new installation that occupies all of the gallery's exhibition spaces.

This installation started initially as a soundwork. It is composed of extracts from a BBC radioshow 'Business English' on the subject of crisis handling. The extracts are re-edited into a radio play in which we hear a meeting of corporate associates discussing a crisis at hand. The subjects in this radio play are trying to take control over this crisis. They discuss how to avoid a labor strike, restore the pace of operations and how to deal with potential bad press coverage. They talk in catchy phrases and use effective language but there is no real communication or interaction between the subjects. The conversation doesn't lead to an end or a solution but activates the construction of persuasive slogans.

This installation culminates in a proposal in which the artist, using paradoxical, biographical and anecdotal footnotes, clever puns and verbal torture, shifts the focus to a more concrete “ontology” of tangible objects and instruments.

Stefaan Dheedene is born in Kortrijk-Belgium, 19.07.1975.
He lives and works in Ghent - Belgium

Annie Gentils Gallery, founded in 1986, presents contemporary multimedia and conceptual work, as well as painting and sculpture. The gallery has two floors. This makes it possible to organise two concurrent exhibitions or to make an important solo exhibition or group exhibition.

Their aim is to give a platform to contemporary Belgian and international artists, some even from the early beginnings of their artistic development. The gallery is well known for his consistent line of quality and critical engagement. Publications and editions have supported the activities of the gallery from the early years until today.