Chris Nelck
In my art I am open and upfront. My secrets, shame, desires and emotions are for everyone to see when I choose to. I call this radical openness.
Chris Nelck’s (2003, Netherlands) art embodies “radical openness,” a term he uses to describe his transparent approach to expressing his secrets, shame, desires, and emotions. His work is influenced by his Trans and Queer identity, and is known for integrating writing into his projects, often publishing texts alongside his artworks. His paintings are visualizations of Nelck’s performance piece Midas, and at the same time also the inspiration for the performance.
This series delves into themes of Trans and Queer shame, transforming these experiences into acts of resistance. Inspired by Mario Mieli’s quote from Towards a Gay Communism, 1974, “I keep my treasure in my arse, but then my arse is open to everyone”, Nelck’s performances involve writing secrets in shells and burying them, reminiscent of the Greek myth of King Midas. This act symbolizes the spreading of secrets, aiming for viewers to recognize and resonate with these shared experiences.
