“I like the idea of using something not created to be shown.”
Name
Valentin van der Meulen
Profession
Artist
Website
Who are you? What do you do?
My work is based on charcoal drawing, playing with images, reading and materials trying to connect what I see all around.
Where are you from?
I’m from Lille in the north of France. I live and work in Paris now.
Your style in 3 words?
Yesterday / Today / Tomorrow
Your weakness? Your strength?
I like to be precise / I like to be precise
What makes you different?
good question
When did you decide to become an artist?
I don’t know… Since I can remember I use to draw
What do you find most fascinating about your work?
When it opens a new door about something you are really interested in but you didn’t see it before.
A few words about your favourite creation?
The next one I will do
Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…
Most recently at Venice Biennale, two works far from my practice : First, « Sun & Sea (Marina) » by Lina Lapelyte, Vaiva Granite and Rugile Barzdziukaite. It was empty without the actors only the sand, objects put all around and music. It was so strong. Second, « Assembly » by Angelica Mesiti. A three screens video.
Who would you like to work with someday and why?
Rudolf Stinger because i want to understand why I feel so curious about his work and process. I was so sad to miss his show in Venice few years ago.
A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?
For a new series of work, I want to include in my work materials from printing industry like metal panels used in lithography. I like the idea of using something not created to be shown.
Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“
life
2020: Where are we going?
where we deserve
When the going gets tough…
be self-confident
Put on your future vision glasses: What direction is our generation moving in, what will our world look like in 50 years?
Individual.. but it already the idea
What would you do if you could change the World?
A world where peoples do their self-criticism
If the universe is everything and it’s expanding, what is it expanding into?
something always bigger. I like the idea that we never know
Tell us about your future plans…
I’m currently working on 2 shows I had in the summer of 2020 : one in London, an other in Verdun (France). I’m very happy because I can take my time to work on its. Stay in touch
Your city’s favourite spots (any location/ club/ shop/ gallery…)?
If you like corean food like me, go to « MEE » restaurant. To take a drink, go in the patio of Prince de Galles Paris during summer. To see an exhibition, Ropac Gallery Pantin location. Amazing space in between gallery and museum.
Last but not least: what is your favourite Song?
More than a favorite song are the playlists created by my best friend on Spotify. He always had the good ones since we were young. Check his profile : helloiaco
One last statement please: „Wood or stone, gold or art?“
Wood / Art
Your #…?
#koreanfood
