Artist Q&A: Meet Cécile Evans

American Belgian video artist Cecile Evans talks to Contributor about her art and life. This month she is participating in a group show at DON’T PROJECTS in Paris and she is currently preparing a new piece, to be filmed in Haiti.

Portrait by Cécile Evans by Joe Case

Q&A with video artist Cécile Evans by Louise Geijer

This month American Belgian video artist Cécile Evans is participating in a group show at DON’T PROJECTS in Paris and she’s currently preparing a new piece, to be filmed in Haiti.

What do you create?

– I make video and installation art. I also make television programs for www.souvenirsfromearth.tv.

Describe yor work with one sentence.

– I like taking intimate situations that are objectively impossible to assign truths to and make them physically, visually apparent so that at least we can take a good look at them.

What is the best thing about working in Berlin?

– Here I can hold down regular office hours, irregularly.

Who is your icon?

– I don’t care so much about finding an icon- I’d rather have an oracle. I find icons overwhelmingly disappointing.

Who is the best artist according to you?

– This changes every week, but I have some steady regulars that I keep on hand- Dominique Gonzales Foerester, Felix Gonzales Torres, Sophie Calle, Jorgen Leth… ok, this list could get really long.

Where is the place to be?

– Right here, behind my desk, answering your questions.

Describe your current state.

– I feel…. mmmmmm…

intimacy

Stills from the video Artificial Intimacy, 2009


About the video: Young lovers are asked to assume an intimate position for a long period after a short lived affair. Sound: excerpts from Wishin’ and Hopin’ as interpreted by Dusty Springfield, Nancy Sinatra, Dionne Warwick, Petula Clark, and Brenda Lee.

Visit Cécile Evans’ website: mogollon-ny.com/cecile/