VIDAM THE WEIRD – “MELANCHOLIA”
Vidam The Weird / “Melancholia”
„After all, the inside of every hamster wheel resembles a career ladder.“
Melancholia – a solo exhibition by Vidam (THE WEIRD), Rabbit Eye Movement Vienna
On May 3rd, 2018, we opened the doors of our Art Space in Vienna for Vidam (THE WEIRD). In his solo exhibition Melancholia, the Berlin based artist presents his latest body of work – and a remarkably different side of himself.
“The majority of people know these pensive moments. Especially in the here and now, in the midst of complex times we are living. In the times of severe inequality on Earth on the one hand and brutal information overload due to social networking and excessive consumption on the other hand. Many people have already asked themselves what is the point of it all. Are we all hamsters running in a wheel? After all the inside of every hamster wheel resembles a career ladder. In times like these we have a tendency to become melancholic.”
Ever since we can remember, Vidam has been making us smile with his bright, colorful and humorous illustrations. It’s in his nature, considering the fact that “vidam” means happy in Hungarian.
Melancholia breaks our habit by confronting us with collective questions regarding the complex times we are all living in: Are we the victims of excessive consumption and media overload? Are we like hamsters on a wheel? – After all, the inside of every hamster wheel resembles a career ladder.
Taking up these questions, Vidam dedicates his elaborated sceneries to the wide scope of melancholia. On large wooden panels, visitors encounter well-known companions like sloth, acedia, escapism and despair. Entangled figures represent classical interpretations as well as individual destinies.
Melancholia is all about contemplation: Vidam invites to reflect inner struggles, but also to get lost in warm wooden structures and deep bright shades of blue. It’s a pleasure to discover the details, especially when they promise relief: Sol lucet omnibus – The sun shines on everybody. In the end, Vidam (still) means happy.
Huge thanks to VIDAM for being our guest and to all of you who joined us for the exhibition opening. Below, you find photos of the art works:
In the course of his stay, Vidam painted a commissioned wholecar named “Jochen” – the façade of Bahnfrei, a Viennese non-profit organization for street work and public youth work. The youth center consists of two railroad cars and is aiming at locally boosting the subculture. (Images and video of the finished piece below)
making of: Jochen
Especially for the exhibition, we produced a limited edition of T-Shirts, designed by Vidam.
If you’re not in Vienna, you can also purchase the shirts online:
https://rabbiteyemovement.at/shop/clothing/197/rem-x-vidam-melancholia