Untitled (Sword Dance) (2017)

This work is part of a series responding to striking moments of international politics. Erik takes a well-known news photograph of Trump participating in a traditional Saudi sword dance alongside King Salman, and transforms it into an oracle that reveals the true facade of political leaders. A grotesque and uncomfortable scene of the theater of politics.

Erik van Lieshout is a Dutch visual artist, who has exhibit internationally, and represented the Netherlands at the Venice Biennal. He explores contemporary sociopolitical issues such as multiculturalism, right-wing politics, minorities, outsiders and consumer society across drawing, painting, video, and installation, using humor and confrontation.