Tim Etchells is exhibiting in the group show 'Time for Outrage!' at Museum Kunstpalast, Düsseldorf, DE until 10 January 2021.
Etchells is exhibiting his work 'T.L' (2019) which is comprised of two identical machine-cut plywood sheets, displayed adjacent to each other, in reversed orientation. Cut into the centre of each sheet, appearing as negative space, are two similar though by no means identical phrases – TRUMP LIES and TROMPE L’OEIL. The two phrases appear one above the other, and again in different orientations so that, at first glance, one might appear to be the mirror of the other.
"Anger and rage are among our most intense emotions. Many consider them dangerous; others would like to make them socially acceptable. Current international events show how strongly they shape discussions about our social interactions: conspiracy theories, racially motivated violence, extremist terror, or “fake news” are just a few of the worrying consequences of populist power politics that fuel fears and focus on polarisation and exclusion. This is countered by worldwide protests against totalitarian structures, the oppression of minorities, and the deepening of social divisions in society. In a number of countries, democracy appears to be in crisis and many people are increasingly in a state of turmoil.
The exhibition Time for Outrage! is based on the eponymous 2010 essay by French resistance fighter Stéphane Hessel and brings together some forty international artists who visualise, reflect, and comment on various facets of anger and rage in our society. Their works deal with socio-political situations and inspire reflection.
Rather than presenting solutions of problems, the works are about testing the possibilities of taking a stance in the face of current societal and social grievances. The artists presented invariably share an explicitly political attitude that is characteristic of their entire oeuvre."
Further information here