Ole Ukena

Multidisciplinary artist from Berlin living and working in Bali. Website Facebook Twitter  

[oleukena]

Hey guys join the fun at @memeoleole.

Been going through a transformation lately.

[oleukena]

PHOTOS FROM PERU

Been travelling South America for the last month and started a new tumblr where you can follow the journey through photography. Here some preview pics. Check out my new tumblr www.eyeofo.com and enjoy the travelling moments with me. See you out there!

[oleukena]

DREAMER / DOER Bedsheet embroyed in black and white silk / 200 x 200 cm 

A bedsheet made from raw silk with hand embroidered  text elements that can be read from two different sides.A dreamer at night. A doer during the day.

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LOOK AT YOURSELF Handwoven thread on silver raw silk, mirror, glass / 37 x 85 cm / 2011

Conception of self is perhaps one of the most scarcely comprehended depths known to man. Self reflection requires so much more than a physical mirror. The reflection of self is provided literally through mirror material in the words “look at your” and in the absence of material in the word “self”, provoking the question: “can the self only be described as emptyness?”

[oleukena]

NEW WEBSITE AND PHOTO BLOG ONLINE: EYE of O

I created a new photo blog and tumblr just for my photography that will accompany my travels around the world, art projects and processes. It would be great to see you guys there... SHARE IF YOU CARE.

www.eyeofo.com or www.tumblr.eyeofo.com.

Follow the journey!

[eyeofo]

STRUCK BY STRUCTURES Ole Ukena, 2014

[eyeofo]

NYC PLAYGROUND

I just came back from my first day running around town with my artist friend Cecilia Collantes with whom i stayed in the same artist residency in Bangkok and also already knew from Berlin. It was a blast. So many strange and beautiful moments already after 10 hours out on the streets. Cecilia also took the first picture of me on top which is in Manhattan on broadway. The second picture below is right next to where I stay in Williamsburg and already my favourite corner. I like how the mural painting pulls the energy towards the sky while the guy sitting next to the door is in his very own space not caring what might be happening up in the sky. As a little NYC reference the yellow cab is coming  in a bit in the right side.

[oleukena]

Gone with the wind Ole Ukena, 2014

[oleukena]

Who is the blind one now ? Stainless steel / 212 x 112 cm / Ole Ukena 2012

The title suggests to look for an answer inside the piece but the mirror reflects a distorted image of the viewer. Mysterious floating stainless steel balls seem to hold the key but not everyone is able to sense the answer. The stainless steel balls contain three letters written in braille, the font for the visually impaired: YOU. A simple touch of a blind person could reveal the answer.

www.oleukena.com

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Ole Ukena / "Giving Up is not an option" Solo Exhibition @ Serindia Gallery, Bangkok

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Eastern Cow Heading West  C-Print / Ole Ukena / 2013

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[oleukena]

Recently published article in the fantastic Renegade Collective magazine with CRE8 Foundation's Ole Ukena about the power of collaborative art and the reality of creating a more connected planet. Full resolution for reading here:http://issuu.com/oleukena/docs/cre8_article/1 — with Sofia Cabo andCRE8 Foundation.

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Cher, Chair, Share (Hello, Joseph)Poster of the singer Cher, a chair, a printed definition of the word share / 220 x 175 cm / Ole Ukena, 2011

The power of language can both separate us and bring us together. This piece, which is based on Joseph Kosuth‘s masterpiece „Three and One chairs“ from 1965, playfully capitalizes on linguistic similarities while highlighting cultural absurdities bringing about the question: could a pop icon, place to rest and a single noun have anything in common/share common ground? In this work the intended act of misinterpretation becomes the actual act of artistic creation.

www.oleukena.com

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In The Absence Of War

Toy soldiers, sand paper, wood / Dyptichon of 170 xz 140 cm each / Ole Ukena, 2012

What seems to be an expressionistic painting at first sight reveals itself to be a battle arena made out of 12.000 toy soldiers. Where the troops are not and the ground is revealed an outline is created which suggest the peace symbol.

www.oleukena.com

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It Is Always What You Think It Is Neon light, acryl / 170 x 20 cm / 2011

The subjective nature of art comes to life in neon reminding us that there is no right or wrong answer or way to perceive things. Individual interpretation in art and in life is all there really is.

[oleukena]

Giving Up Is Not An Option Steel, laquer, ladder, brush, paint bucket / 800 x 210 cm / Ole Ukena, 2012

  The viewer who enters the exhibition place gets confronted at first sight with a situation in which the artist is about to finish setting up the artwork. A ladder, nails and paint are still on the floor seemingly waiting to be used. At second sight the sentence Giving up is not an option is surely to be read ironically.

The artist gave up installing a piece named Giving up is not an option and the work is finished exactly by not being finished.

  www.oleukena.com

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Self (Expanding) Birdcage, light bulb, Raisin, Paper / Ole Ukena, 2013 

In many spiritual traditions the metaphor of encagement is being used to describe our relationship with the mind. By identifying with it and its limitations we are not aware that the door out of the prison cell has always been open.