Platform 102 will present new works by artist Jean-Ulrick Désert on view by appointment from March 30 – May 17, 2015.

Platform 102 celebrates its one year anniversary by showcasing a pioneering figure in the area of research-based art practices. Jean-Ulrick Désert is renown internationally for his groundbreaking artwork from a multimedia approach which emerges from a tradition of conceptualism engaged with social/cultural practices.

Désert creates site-specific works and objects that are related to specific histories and locations. It is a great honour for Platform 102 to present an unique series of work by the artist conceived to provide background and context as a reflection on Belgian colonial history.

Désert’s presentation chronicles pivotal moments of destiny by combining visual and literary sources that debate post-colonial identities. He uses celestial references to create , in his own words « dialogue between the analogue and the digital. Science and belief. Concrete and ephemeral. Precise and intuitive.”

By incorporating traditions and protest with science and mysticism, this exclusive Belgian presentation will expand on historical speeches related to Congolese independence.

In addition, Désert will release signed editions of the Paris version of his “Boules du Ciel” (The Goddess Constellations / Sky Above Port-au-Prince Haiti 12 January 2010 21:53 UTC) produced for the exhibition ‘HAITI – deux siècles de creation artistique’ at Grand Palais in Paris (2014). The “Boules du Ciel” is a Memento Mori in remembrance of Haiti’s devastating earthquake 5 years ago. It depicts a precise celestial–portrait that is embedded with meaning, bringing attention to the vulnerability of human life and our sometimes passive belief in the west in destiny. A Brussels edition of the “Boules du Ciel” will be released during Désert’s presentation for Platform 102 with text in French and Flemish.

Jean-Ulrick Désert: Public View is Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 14h until 19h.

Private viewing is March 30 – May 17, 2015 .
To schedule an appointment please send an email to: platform102@gmail.com or by sms/mobile at: +32 4 85 82 42 57

Jean-Ulrick Désert (b. Port-au-Prince, 1965) graduated from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture (1993) and from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (1985) both in New York City. Désert has exhibited widely at such venues as The Brooklyn Museum, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Grey Art Gallery NYU/ Studio Museum of Harlem, Walker Art Center in the USA, Cité Internationale des Arts and Grand Palais in Paris, France, Neue Gesellschaft fur Bildende Kunst in Germany and in numerous galleries and public venues worldwide. Désert’s art can be found in numerous books and journals, notably the covers of the prominent theorist of identity politics in the 20th century, the late Stuart Hall (Amsterdam editions, France) and the highly acclaimed ‘The Image of the Black in Western Art’ initiated by the Menil Collection of Texas (released in Oct/ Nov 2014). His work will travel to the Bueno Yerba Art Center in San Francisco this year as well as the Fort Lauderdale Museum. Désert lives and works in Berlin.

Located in Brussels Dansaert District, Platform 102 is a presentation space for contemporary art showcasing a international roster of emerging and established artists working in conceptual and research- based art practices. More information at: platform102.blogspot.be