Marjan Teeuwen - Architectural Installations that Push Boundaries

Marjan Teeuwen, born in the Netherlands in 1953, is renowned for her groundbreaking architectural installations that challenge traditional notions of space and transformation. She embarks on large-scale projects, where she deconstructs and repurposes existing buildings, infusing them with her artistic vision. Through this process, Teeuwen creates new artistic narratives, capturing the essence of both construction and decay.

A Harmonious Blend of Construction and Destruction

Teeuwen's installations reveal a harmonious blend of opposing elements - the constructive force of building alongside the power of destruction and decay. Floors become askew or plummet vertically, while walls are partially or completely demolished. Piles of debris intertwine throughout the space, resembling a virus, covering every wall or meticulously arranged into architectural sculptures. Teeuwen's approach aligns her with a select group of artists who cut into buildings, creating architectural perforations. Notable pioneers in this field include Gordon Matta-Clark, Richard Wilson, and Urs Fisher. Teeuwen, however, follows her own comprehensive and radical approach.

The Intersection of Art, Politics, and Social Commentary

In 2016/2017, Teeuwen embarked on her groundbreaking project, "Verwoest Huis Gaza" (Destroyed House Gaza). By working in occupied territory, she skillfully infiltrates the societal context, elevating the dialogue between art and politics. This bold move amplifies the autonomous significance of her work within an inherently politically charged region. "Marjan Teeuwen - Destroyed House" showcases her work in Gaza, alongside six other installations from the "Verwoest Huis" series, as well as the Archive series, spanning from 2008. This publication presents extensive photo series that explore the polarity of Teeuwen's captivating images, highlighting the juxtaposition of memory and oblivion, chaos and order, destruction and construction, falling and rising, and the tension between horror vacui and spatiality. The contributing authors offer fresh perspectives on the art historical, architectural, philosophical, and social significance of Teeuwen's work.