Insect Liberation Advocate Edgar Honetschläger Addresses at the Linzer Nordico Event
In the heart of Linz, Austria, visual artist, filmmaker, and environmental activist Edgar Honestchläger is being honoured in his hometown with a solo exhibition titled "Give Nature a Break". The exhibition, curated by Sabine Fellner, runs from April 11 to August 17 at the Nordico city museum.
The titular video at the beginning of the exhibition shows a house being demolished to return the land to insects, setting the tone for the exhibit. This theme of returning to nature is a recurring one in Honestchläger's works, as seen in his "Bathing Trees" and "Chickensuit" series.
In the "Bathing Trees" series, Honestchläger draws trees engaged in morning hygiene or relaxing in wellness baths, anthropomorphizing nature in a whimsical and thought-provoking manner. Similarly, in the "Chickensuit" series, Honestchläger creates fashion for chickens, including fake fur, conservative knits, and stylishly patterned jumpsuits.
Honestchläger's spatial approach is based on traditional Eastern art, and he appreciates the Eastern culture where the collective is valued over the individual. This is evident in his use of materials such as rice paper and Japanese ink, as he has lived in Japan for many years.
Visitors to the exhibition are greeted by drawn swarms with sound effects in the staircase, setting the stage for an immersive experience. Honestchläger's large formats leave much of the surface white, allowing the viewer's imagination to fill in the surroundings.
The Crossing Europe film festival, running from April 29 to May 4, will feature a special on Honestchläger. The festival will also include a "Local Artist Special" on Honestchläger, where the artist will provide insights into his approaches.
In addition to his art, Honestchläger has founded a non-profit organization called "GoBugsGo - Set Nature Free". The organization initiates renaturation measures, with areas designated as "non-human-zones" being returned to insects as their habitat. An area designated as a "non-human-zone" by "GoBugsGo" now exists in Heilham in Linz-Urfahr, and Nordico visitors can take on sponsorships.
The "GoBugsGo" project plans to start renaturation measures in the coming weeks, and people can participate by actively joining these restoration activities on-site. The Nordico exhibition can be visited for free with a festival pass, making it accessible to all.
Honestchläger's work bridges the gap between art and activism, encouraging viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature and consider ways they can contribute to its preservation. The "Give Nature a Break" exhibition at Nordico is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art, environmentalism, or both.
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