In her first short film Jivan van der Ende showcases her five-year collaboration with Flemish bodybuilder Jurgen van Wesemael. Through this disarming collaboration, the artist bridges two different worlds: the world of the spectacular Belgian bodybuilding championship, which is becoming increasingly popular among the younger male generation, and the artist’s studio, where she reflects on the human figure as a living sculpture within the context and traditions of art and capitalist patriarchy. Through her abstract and playful visual language, the artist explores themes such as objectification and the connection between identity and social and political position.

CREDITS

Bodybuilder: Jurgen van Wesemael

Written & Directed by Jivan van der Ende Cinematography: Anaïs Charbeur Editor: Inneke Van Waeyenberghe Color grading: Lennert De Taeye Sound composer: Anne van de Star Sound design and mix: Michał Krajczok

Produced by Jivan van der Ende

With the support of: Flanders State of the Arts, het Cultuurfonds, Mullerfonds, P/////AKT, Playground Festival 23 - M Leuven & STUK, Hoger Instituut voor de Schone Kunsten, KdG Sint Lucas Antwerpen, Lichtekooi Artspace.

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