Tom Herck was born in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, in 1984 and currently resides in Ordingen, Belgium. He is a neo-conceptual multidisciplinary artist, has earned distinction for his creation of unconventional and impactful monumental public art installations. Renowned for his thought-provoking works, Herck's artistry spans sculptures, installations, and mixed-media creations, all of which radiate an unfiltered authenticity that encourages profound introspection. He adeptly navigates the intricate interplay between traditional and atypical artistic techniques, resulting in a body of work that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.
At the core of Herck's artistic journey lies an unrelenting exploration of socio-political themes and existential inquiries. His art delves into the complexities of human existence, addressing themes such as vanity, history, religion, the rise and fall of empires, extinction, evolution, and the cyclical nature of history. This thematic depth underscores the intellectual and emotional resonance of his creations, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricacies of the human experience.
One of the hallmarks of Herck's art is its capacity to challenge societal norms and disrupt established perceptions. Through his work, he initiates dialogues that transcend cultural and generational boundaries. Herck's creations serve as catalysts for conversations that probe the depths of collective consciousness, prompting viewers to reconsider their viewpoints and engage with the broader tapestry of human thought.
Raised in a creative environment with an artist father, Tom's early exposure to art played a significant role in shaping his artistic journey. However, his upbringing in a council estate under the guidance of a single mother presented him with a contrasting reality, immersed in societal challenges.
During his mid and late 20s, Tom found himself drawn into the underground football culture, organizing "fight club" activities in streets and forests. His experiences in a low-income neighborhood and subsequent work as a social assistant with troubled youth and later in a refugee center heightened his awareness of societal issues, which he channels into his art. The allure of 'outsider' cultures led Tom to spend a decade actively participating in the illegal graffiti scene, which became the foundation of his artistic expression.
Tom embarked on a journey of self-discovery by traveling extensively across the globe. Initially combining his travels with graffiti activities throughout Europe, he faced financial challenges, often resorting to sleeping on trains or the streets. A significant milestone during this period was his venture to New York, where he painted the subway system. Legal complications later prompted him to transition towards murals and a more sophisticated form of art. His participation in the underground cultures exposed him to an alternative and rebellious subculture. This exposure to outsider cultures likely influenced the rebellious and unconventional nature of his artistic expressions, challenging traditional norms and institutions.
Tom's artistic journey is not just influenced by his personal experiences and creative background; it also bears the imprints of his family history.
With an unknown grandfather and a grandmother who was a "Female pimp" operating brothels in his hometown. Tom's exploration of his family history, particularly his unknown grandfather and his grandmother's controversial profession as a "madam," could have inspired him to delve into complex themes of identity, history, and human contradictions in his art. His personal connection to these stories likely lends a deeper emotional resonance to his creative expressions.
Throughout his artistic career, Tom's installations have consistently centered on adventurous projects in monumental forms within public spaces. One such project, "The Decline" in 2016, featured a 60-ton house of cards construction with depictions of historical figures, world leaders, and dictators. The installation garnered both national and international attention, leading to public debates and dialogues. The local mayor censored the work by covering the Hitler card with a plastic banner. Tom upheld the integrity of his work and after some debates, they’ve kept the installation in his true form. In 2018 the installation won an international price in the European parliament. In 2023 it was shown on Times Square in New-York on a 2000 square meter bill board.
Religion, especially Christianity, plays a pivotal role in Tom's life and art. He deftly combines traditional and contemporary iconography, creating new symbols that delve into universal themes of life, death, transformation, and religion. Tom: “While maintaining an agnostic perspective, I harbor a profound appreciation for ecclesiastical establishments. I engage in a weekly ritual of attending a church, drawn by its capacity to evoke profound inspiration and introspection.” His works challenge conventional views and address humanity's inherent contradictions. Notably, Tom's art has sparked controversy and garnered global attention.
The installation "Holy Cow" in 2017, which featured a crucified cow in a church surrounded by 5000 liters of milk, ignited protests and arrests of far-right organizations and a priest. His works are designed to provoke thought and reflection, encouraging viewers to delve deeper into the themes presented. By utilizing powerful symbols, metaphors, and contrasting imagery, Tom prompts audiences to question societal norms and challenge their perceptions of history, religion, and politics.
In recent years, Tom has expanded his artistic presence internationally, with projects like the "Eurovision" sailing art installation in London and the monumental "The Wall" installation at the Burning Man festival in Nevada, USA.
Herck is the second Belgian artist ever to burn a big installation on the famous Burning man festival in Nevada USA. A 9 meter high piñata in front of a 5 meter wall exploring both sides of Trump’s wall conflict. Despite addressing pressing social issues in his art, Tom remains steadfast in maintaining an open discussion space rather than taking a strictly conservative or progressive stance. His focus lies on realizing and creating his concepts through impactful works that foster dialogue and debate in the public sphere.
Anchored in the present, his thought-provoking installations stimulate contemplation and reflection on the challenges that lie ahead. Through his creative endeavors, Tom continues to shape the discourse surrounding social matters, leaving a lasting impact on both the art world and the broader community.
SELECTED SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS:
2024 Once We Ruled The World / Venice Biennale - Venice, IT / solo
2024 Dinolition / Kasteel van Ordingen - Ordingen, BE / solo
2023 Past/Present/Future / European Parliament - Brussels, BE / solo
2023 Sharing Stories / Kasteel d’Aspremont-Lynden- Oud-Rekem, BE / group
2023 Decay Works / Kasteel van Ordingen - Ordingen, BE / solo
2023 Box Red / Nieuwland - Borgloon, BE / group
2022 De Sokkel / SMAK - Ghent, BE / group
2022 Strange Days / Galerie Papillon - Ostend, BE / group
2022 It's Time To Meet Them / Julianuscomplex - Tongeren, BE / group
2022 Hidden Odyssey / La Butte aux Bois - Lanaken, BE / group
2021 Censuur / Nationaal museum van de speelkaart - Turnhout, BE / group
2021 Halleluja / Triamant - Bree, BE / group
2021 Explorer / La Butte aux Bois - Lanaken, BE / solo
2020 Beestig / Stadsfestival Damme - Damme, BE / group
2020 Me myself and I / Black Swan Gallery - Bruges, BE / group
2020 Crucifixions / PAK, Platform voor Actuele Kunsten - Gistel, BE / group
2020 La Messe Des Artistes / L’église de Saint Pierre d’Arène - Nice , FR / group
2020 Vanitas humanum est / CAS - Ostend, BE / group
2020 NEKTAR / Quartier Blue - Hasselt, BE / group
2019 Burning man / Black rock city - Nevada, USA /solo project
2019 Hommage à Auguste Renoir / Château Grimaldi - Cagnes-Sur-Mer, FR / group
2019 Biennale van België III / Floraliënhal - Ghent, BE / group
2019 The Crystal Ship / Casino Kursaal fountains - Ostend, BE / group
2019 Chambres Separees / PAK, Platform voor Actuele Kunsten - Gistel, BE / group
2019 Stormloop / De Linnenfabriek - Herentals, BE / group
2019 NEKTAR / Quartier Blue - Hasselt, BE / group
2019 Last Words / St-Trudo Hospitaal - Sint-Truiden, BE / Solo
2018 C-Takt / C-Mine - Genk, BE / duo
2018 Triënnale Brugge / Black Swan Gallery - Bruges, BE / group
2018 ReBirth / PAK, Platform voor Actuele Kunsten - Ostend, BE / group
2018 Portraits / Atelier 14 Zero Muzeum - Brussels, BE / group
2018 Printemps Sauvage / Armée des Alpes - Nice, FR / group
2018 Eurovision / Thames river / Buckingham palace - London, UK / solo project
2018 Behind closed doors / PAK, Platform voor Actuele Kunsten - Gistel, BE / group
2018 Art Truc Troc / Palais de Beaux-Arts/ Bozar - Brussels, BE / group
2017 Artefactory LABO / De Drukkerij - Leuven, BE / group
2017 LaBel Valette / Chapel - Montargis, FR / group
2017 Missing / Gasthuiskapel - Borgloon, BE / solo
2017 Holy Cow / Sint-Jan-de-Doperkerk - Kuttekoven, BE / solo
2017 Sacred works / Velose gallery - Bali, IND / solo
2016 Mine d'Art / L'ecole de musique - Blanzy, FR / group
2016 MDA Ex-Situ / Galeries Lafayette - Chalon-sur-Saone, FR / group
2016 Het verval / Museum Vlaamse Minderbroeders - Sint-Truiden, BE / solo
2016 Brussels gardens / Herkenrodehoeve - Opheers, BE / group
2016 Fly fast, die last / Takla Lake - British Columbia, Canada / solo project
2016 Decay Works / Atelier Linesse - Hasselt, BE / solo
2015 Amok / De chocoladefabriek - Tongeren, BE / group
2015 Beste buren / Original Dampkring Gallery - Amsterdam, NL / group
2015 One Armed Man / Oude Beurs - Antwerp,BE / group
2015 Art 17 / OT301 - Amsterdam, NL / group
2015 Groupe Atlantis / Carros - Nice, FR / group
2014 Rubia collective / Dreambuilding - Antwerp, BE / group
2014 Atelier C / Museum M - Leuven, BE / group
2014 Biennale de l'UMAM / Château Grimaldi - Cagnes-Sur-Mer, FR / group
2014 (Nun) Fiction / CC De Bogaard - Sint-Truiden, BE / solo
2014 Independent Arts Festival / Stedelijk Musea - Sint-Niklaas, BE / group
2014 Exhi-B / Les Jeux d'Hiver - Brussels, BE / group
AWARDS/NOMINATIONS:
2018 Corporated Art Awards - European Parlement, BE / Special award for “A monumental work of art made of its core-business product”
2016 BLOOOM Award by Warsteiner - Cologne, DE / Nominated
2014 Atelier C / Museum M - Leuven, BE / Laureate
2014 Biennale de l'UMAM / Château Grimaldi - Cagnes-Sur-Mer, FR / Honorable mention
Biography by Lara Van Oudenaarde
Bio picture by Stijn Elshout