PUPMAG

PUPMAG issue 2 Summer 2014.

15 minutes.

Photo: Romy Treebusch



Pandemonia
Artist

"I created Pandemonia from mass media imagery, then fed her back to the very same media. She is like a modern day Trojan Horse. On the surface she is the consumerist vision in person; forever young, tall and glossy etc. Under the veneer, the work promotes discourse; a dismantling of that same image. She is an allegory for living in the 21st century and operates in the social sphere. She is democratic because it is the public that made her. There is no institution or public body behind her promoting her. People vote for her with their camera phones. Her image has spread virally around the world."



Pandemonia
Artist

"In showbiz, identity is ones trademark. Identity is something you wear and one’s humanity is not reducible to a single identity. We wear “masks” to help navigate between public and private spaces. Oneself is more than ones job or any other isolated slice of ones identity."

NRC next... The modern Trojan horse

NRC next interview by Christel Don

English Google translation

I am the modern Trojan horse

She goes through life in a large latex suit / / And give her true identity / / What do accomplish this British living work of art ?

Saturday, May 17, 2014

She is more than two meters long , fully dressed in latex , often accompanied by her white inflatable dog Snowy . In England they are more than five years, a phenomenon. With its cartoonish appearance she sits front row at fashion shows , and there are few famous Britons not been in the picture with her. Slowly but surely getting the rest of the world in its sights : Pandemonia . This week is a living work of art for the first time in the Netherlands .

While the British style icon orders tea, the question arises how practical such a hot drink when you tightened is in a non - breathable suit and even talking requires effort . "I have indeed occasionally to vent . " Pandemonia have yet to comment about her identity , but the stubble around her mouth and deep voice make it unlikely that a woman hidden under the latex.

You never fail ? Talk about yourself in interviews, why
" If I reveal my identity , it creates noise. I would suddenly instance Joe Blogs are also known as Pandemonia . Then the focus shifts to my personality rather than the ideas that I want to convey. This would be much less interesting. "

What exactly do you want to say with your extravagant looks ?

"I 'm an artist . If you look at me , you will not see me , but my work . After 2000, the focus on celebrities in the media flight. Increasingly, they appeared on the front pages : stories about who they went out , kissed , or where they were spotted drunk . That fascinated me immensely and made ​​me think . What does it say about our society ? Suddenly I thought, why can not there instead of some celebrity is not a work of art at that spot in the newspaper ? A work of art that produces discussion. "

Why was that art Pandemonia ?

" Pandemonia is a catalyst that would continue to go about our culture and the way we shape our society . Dialogue people thinking Actually, as a kind of modern Trojan horse . I copy first role models , stereotypes and myths that dominate the media. Subsequently apply them in their own way and I give them back to the media . "

That sounds a bit vague . Give an example .

" For example I am blond, slightly pinkish blond moment , but a variant of blonde. The media love blondes more than brunettes . That's a stereotype . Just look at classic movie stars , who are all blond. They simply become more obvious . "

So you create an inflatable blonde hair as a sort of parody ?

" Exactly . But I use the same language as the media , I use the same stereotypes , so I then appear through the same media channels back into the picture . "

On the pictures you often find yourself with an inflatable dog . What is its function ?

" Snowy is my icebreaker. Even the most rigid people thaw when I introduce him . That again , happens every time very striking . " It is intriguing and surprising at the same time , interview someone who hides literally from head to toe in a rubber outfit seems influenced by artists such as Andy Warhol , Roy Lichtenstein and Jeff Koons . Where you normally looks for the moment someone shows something of his mask fall , that will not happen quickly at Pandemonia . Anonymity is part of what she wants to wear out. A bigger mystery is why what drives it most of the year to go as a life-sized latex doll life.

" Art in a gallery or museum has been closed. It is in a safe area . I did not hear from museums , but I avoid that context aware . I go directly to the public. "

How do you get money ?

" Sometimes I get sponsored by big brands who invite me to an event . I wear something commissioned . All I do that only if I 'm behind the brand. Furthermore, my travels generally paid by the person inviting me . Or I sell some of my art . "

How important is identity still these days ? "

" We all wear masks . Identity slips from our fingers . Think of how technology evolves . We are not the only ones who decide what happens to our identity . Facebook can be used without permission and pictures on websites can be published so information about us . "

Finally , how do you be such a stereotype ?

" Think carefully about what you read and what you consume . Images you see are always paid by someone . And the reason that someone pay for, because they sell a product . Your whole identity is built around products . Realize that and create your own history . You only live once . "


Origional....Dutch

Ik ben het moderne paard van Troje

Ze gaat door het leven in een groot latex pak // En zwijgt over haar ware identiteit // Wat wil dit Britse levende kunstwerk bereiken? zaterdag 17 mei 2014

Ze is ruim twee meter lang, volledig in latex gehuld en gaat vaak vergezeld door haar witte opblaashond Snowy. In Engeland is ze al ruim vijf jaar een fenomeen. Met haar stripachtig uiterlijk zit ze front row bij grote modeshows en er zijn weinig bekende Britten níet met haar op de foto geweest. Langzaam maar zeker krijgt ook de rest van de wereld haar in het vizier: Pandemonia. Deze week is het levende kunstwerk voor het eerst in Nederland.

Terwijl het Britse stijlicoon thee bestelt, rijst de vraag hoe praktisch zo’n heet drankje is wanneer je strakgetrokken zit in een niet-ademend pak en zelfs praten moeite kost. „Ik moet er inderdaad af en toe uit om te luchten.” Pandemonia laat niks los over haar identiteit, maar de stoppels rond haar mond en de lage stem maken het onwaarschijnlijk dat er een vrouw onder het latex schuilgaat.

Je praat nooit over jezelf in interviews, waarom niet?

„Als ik mijn identiteit onthul, ontstaat er ruis. Dan zou ik opeens bijvoorbeeld Joe Block zijn, ook wel bekend als Pandemonia. Dan verschuift de aandacht naar mijn persoonlijkheid in plaats van de ideeën die ik wil uitdragen. Dat zou veel minder interessant zijn.”

Wat wil je precies zeggen met je extravagante looks?

„Ik ben kunstenaar. Als je naar mij kijkt, zie je niet mij, maar mijn werk. Na 2000 nam de aandacht voor beroemdheden in de media een vlucht. Steeds vaker verschenen ze op voorpagina’s: verhalen over met wie ze uitgingen, zoenden of waar ze dronken gesignaleerd waren. Dat boeide mij mateloos en zette me aan het denken. Wat zegt het over onze maatschappij? Opeens dacht ik, waarom kan er in plaats van zo’n beroemdheid niet een kunstwerk op die plek in de krant? Een kunstwerk dat discussie oplevert.”

Waarom werd dat kunstwerk Pandemonia?

„Pandemonia is een katalysator die mensen aan het denken wil zetten door de dialoog aan te gaan over onze cultuur en de manier waarop we onze maatschappij vormgeven. Eigenlijk als een soort modern paard van Troje. Ik kopieer in eerste instantie rolmodellen, stereotyperingen of mythes die in de media overheersen. Vervolgens pas ik ze op eigen wijze aan en geef ik ze weer terug aan de media.”

Dat klinkt een beetje vaag. Geef eens een voorbeeld.

„Ik ben bijvoorbeeld blond, een beetje rozig blond momenteel, maar een variant op blond. De media houden meer van blondines dan van brunettes. Dat is een stereotype. Kijk maar naar klassieke filmsterren, die zijn allemaal blond. Ze vallen gewoonweg meer op.”

Dus creëer jij een blond opblaaskapsel als een soort parodie?

„Precies. Maar ik gebruik wel dezelfde taal als de media, ik gebruik dezelfde stereotyperingen en daarom verschijn ik vervolgens via dezelfde mediakanalen weer in beeld.” Op foto’s sta je vaak met een opblaashond. Wat is zijn functie?

„Snowy is mijn ijsbreker. Zelfs de meest stijve mensen ontdooien als ik hem introduceer. Dat gebeurt iedere keer weer, heel frappant.” Het is intrigerend en bevreemdend tegelijk, iemand interviewen die zich letterlijk van top tot teen verbergt in een rubberen outfit die beïnvloed lijkt door kunstenaars als Andy Warhol, Roy Liechtenstein en Jeff Koons. Daar waar je normaliter zoekt naar het moment dat iemand iets van z’n masker laat vallen, zal dat bij Pandemonia niet snel gebeuren. Anonimiteit is onderdeel van wat ze uit wil dragen. Een groter mysterie is daarom wat haar drijft het grootste deel van het jaar door het leven te gaan als een levensgrote latex-pop. „Kunst in een galerie of museum is afgesloten. Het zit in een veilige ruimte. Ik heb niks tegen musea hoor, maar ik mijd die context bewust. Ik ga direct naar het publiek.” Hoe verdien je eigenlijk geld?

„Soms word ik gesponsord door grote merken die me uitnodigen voor een evenement. Dan draag ik iets in opdracht. Al doe ik dat alleen als ik achter het merk sta. Verder worden mijn reizen over het algemeen betaald door degene die me uitnodigt. Of ik verkoop wat van mijn kunst. ”

Hoe belangrijk is identiteit nog deze dagen?”

„We dragen allemaal maskers. Identiteit glipt uit onze vingers. Denk aan de manier waarop techniek zich ontwikkelt. Wij zijn niet meer de enigen die bepalen wat er met onze identiteit gebeurt. Facebook kan zonder toestemming foto’s gebruiken en op websites kan zo maar informatie over ons gepubliceerd worden.”

Tot slot, hoe voorkom je zelf zo’n stereotype te worden?

„Denk goed na over wat je leest en wat je tot je neemt. Beelden die je ziet worden altijd door iemand betaald. En de reden dat iemand er voor betaalt, is omdat ze een product verkopen. Je hele identiteit is gebouwd rond producten. Realiseer je dat en creëer je eigen geschiedenis. Je leeft maar één keer. ”

Pandemonia in Amsterdam. day 1

After several hours of umming and arring, Pandemonia and Snowy decided what to take to Amsterdam, then they packed everything ready for their trip.

British Airways were very accommodating, and Pandemonia and Snowy arrived at the capital's hidden gem, Hotel Toon, Utrechtsestraat 18, Old Centre, Amsterdam, 1017 VN.

Hotel co-owner Sal Knuvers personally greeted them and showed them to their spacious suite.

The following morning, Snowy was quick off the mark and had the red collar on at the blink of an eye. Pandemonia smiled at him and slipped on the vibrant pink and lime green dress with tomato red band, matching red handbag, gloves and a pair of high heel peep toe Melissa shoes, and cherry picked some Balenciaga sunglasses. A once over in the mirror they were ready to face the day.



At the Hotel cafe, Pandemonia and Snowy had a cup of tea and a 9am interview with journalist Christel Don. Christel it transpired was an in depth reporter who viewed this assignment seriously and asked pertinent questions, in an attempt to get insight into Pandemonia the artist for NRC Hollands quality broadsheet newspaper.

The hour long interview flew by and came to an end in time for the hand over to Annemarie Van Gerrevink co-owner of Pup Creative Agency. Pup Creative Agency

Annemarie pulled out her laptop and showed Pandemonia and Snowy a break down of the day's schedule. That done, they had time for a brief photo call for all concerned, this pleased Sal, who found himself to be the male centre of attention.



Pandemonia and Snowy were delighted with Annemarie's calm professional approach and explained they couldn't pass the day without popping heads around the door of Museum Bags and Purses, to say hi to the staff, Berenice Beaumont and Jacquline Van Maaren, having made a promise the night before.

Once inside the museum Pandemonia & Snowy were captivated by the vast collection of bags, from spooky skeleton doggie bags on the ground floor to Louis Vuitton trunks and 1930's plastic bags on the second floor.



Plus, a rare full beaded Katerine Baumann "Diet Coke" Minaudiere Evening purse, and in the same cabinet the world famous Judith Leiber cupcake purse the sister to Patricia Field's choice for the pivotal wedding scene in "Sex and The City" movie.



Adrenaline fix over, it was time to leave the museum. Pandemonia and Snowy stepped outside and behold the chauffeur of Uber car's on hand to ferry them to the studio They were driven post haste to Studio Witman Kleipool.

On arrival Pandemonia and Snowy were greeted by the Pup Magazine creative team, all keyed up and ready to shoot Pandemonia and Snowy for Pup Magazines second bumper issue Snowy discovered is to be released 20th of June.



The magazine's Creative Director Thamar Luthart took one look at the Pandemonia test shot in daywear and pulled out a portrait image from June issue mock-up, and after a confab with the photographer Romy Treebusch, they were unanimous. The red gloves next to Pandemonia's face was an ideal fit with the mag layout. All that was required to fit the remit was a change of sunglasses, Diesel sunglasses replaced the Balenciaga, and the team commenced firing on all cylinders.


Photo: Manoah Biesheuvel

The fever pitch shoot captured on film, by Manoah Biesheuvel, the city's top film maker, who was quietly looming in the background.

Red shot over, there was an intermission during which, Pandemonia and Snowy changed into their next ensemble. Pandemonia reached for the canary yellow fitted dress, bag, vintage shoes from Camden and Vans sunglasses, Snowy's donned a coordinating collar. They returned to the scene of the crime and everyone snapped back into work mode.

As a consequence of the teams keen diligence the shoot was running way ahead of schedule. The next stop gap was when Pandemonia had to change into another outfit. This time Pandemonia plumbed for a the cobalt blue, deep V-neck, A-line dress, matching bag and Melissa Estrelicia shoes and Snowy added his collar too.



And before they resumed Anne Mestrom PR guru from Ganbaroo PR showcases halted proceedings to enable journalist Georgette Koning a 30 minute interview. Georgette thanked Pandemonia and Snowy for being punctual and let slip "I'm flying out of the country in a couple of hours to interview someone else". Georgette asked for a quick snap and proceeded to rush out the door.



Pandemonia and Snowy returned to finish the shoot which ended in record time, and the team chorused "we look forward to seeing you tonight at the shoot wrap dinner".

Pandemonia and Snowy reverted to their earlier daywear garb and climbed into the Uber car that transported them to the 5 star Hotel Conservatorium.



There they were met on the Hotel forecourt and given a warm welcome by Nicole Canoy Marketing & Communications Manager and her new assistant Nina Van Spyker, followed by Schilo Van Coevorden the celebrated Executive Chef of Tunes restaurant.

Inside the hotel Pandemonia and Snowy were taken to a secluded area by Nicole and Luara Kemp interviewed Pandemonia for Pup Magazine.



After Luara was satisfied she had enough copy for her article Pandemonia and Snowy took leave and joined Annemarie and Manoah in the Brasserie and Lounge for lobster soup and watched them both devouring the a scrumptious lunch, prepared presumably by Schilo, while Nicole explained to the group "we're fully booked and have a really good return business".



Lunch over Nicole escorted Pandemonia and Snowy through the hotel. P&S were transfixed by the hotels Violin chandelier display.



Outside the hotel's main road entrance, Pandemonia and Snowy found a new ally in the shape of a Dutch motorbike Police officer who kept his eagle eye on the road and zoomed off only when the P&S Uber car pulled up.

Pandemonia and Snowy were now free to be tourists and visit various places logged in the smart phone, accompanied by photographer Peter De Krom. Peter was there to get a reportage picture for a newspaper.



Pandemonia and Snowy's first port of call, Amsterdam's historical 13 Century Dam Square. Here Pandemonia and Snowy were hoping to get insight to the city's alternative culture from street entertainers a common sight in this vicinity.



However No Show. P&S assumed on this glorious sunny day street entertainers had skipped the square, perhaps to lay in the park and soak up the rays. Luckily Peter got his shot there.

The next place on the Pandemonia and Snowy list was Amsterdam Central main line station. However, when they arrived their eye's met with an overwhelming sight, rows upon rows of bicycles thousands of them.



Unfortunately, Pandemonia hadn't packed suitable attire for cycling.



They eventually reached the Central station at 4 minutes to 5pm
A peek time for teenagers, who surrounded Pandemonia and Snowy as they made a mad rush to get home.

Pandemonia and Snowy took their lead and headed back to the hotel to recuperate and dress for dinner.

Fully rejuvenated Pandemonia and Snowy chose very carefully what to wear to Lion Noir restaurant, knowing it ranks as one of the capitals elegant hot spots. Pandemonia went for the eau de nil green with fuschia pink cuffed wrap dress, bag, Vivienne Westwood/Melissa wedge sandals and Just Cavalli sunglasses. Snowy teamed his look with the same daring fuschia collar.



At the Lion Noir, they were met by the dashing owner Serge Rijn, who after he'd seated Pandemonia and Snowy comfortably raced off to fetch the menu.

Pandemonia and Snowy were delighted to meet, Dineke Van Den Heuvel the Fashion Director.
Dineke was the person who spotted Pandemonia and Snowy, when scanning the fashion pages and was instrumental in getting P and S on board for the Pup Magazine shoot.



When the whole crew were seated, Snowy seized the roll reversal opportunity and popped the camera and captured Dineke, Annemarie, Pandemonia, Thamar and Elouise on the razzle.

As midnight approached Pandemonia saw Snowy showing signs of exhaustion after a 15 hour day. So P bid the gang afscheid (which is the Dutch equivalent to au revoir), tucked Snowy under the arm and bundled into a cab back to the hotel.



In the hotel kitchen, staff provided Pandemonia with a bed time hot chocolate drink and wished P&S a good nights rest. In their suite Pandemonia and Snowy too fatigued to talk , curled up in bed & went fast asleep.


photo/copy: Stephen Mahoney