Emily Rader artworks

If you’re looking for answers, you came to the wrong place. This statement was made by a machine.

Her works are characterized by the use of Art Historical reference in an atmosphere of gallery mentality in which recognition and prior knowledge plays an important role. By replaying the image of the empty studio and pushing the uncanniness, the “presentness” of the work a little further, she convinces the viewer into a belief in the ghost of the Artist.

Her works never shows the complete structure. Her work strives to create coincidental, accidental and unexpected connections which make it possible to revise art history and, even better, to complement it. Combining unrelated aspects lead to surprising analogies. This results in a chaotic and subjective environment. By demonstrating the omnipresent lingering of an art historical world. Again and again, the Artist leaves us orphaned with a mix of conflicting feelings, thoughts, and visual cues. Her works are based on insider associations, which open an appropriated intellectual vein. Multilayered images arise and leave traces and balances on the edge of recognition and alienation.

The artist also considers movement as a necessary part of the installation of the work. Through the incorporation of movement, space becomes time and language becomes image. By creating situations and breaking the passivity of the spectator, she creates a different experience, which adds greater depth to the works.

Her works question the conditions of an image in the context of contemporary visual culture in which we live with representations and ideas. By applying a wide variety of contemporary strategies, she wants the viewer to become part of the art as a kind of added component. Art is entertainment: to be able to touch the work, as well as to interact with the work is important. By investigating the duality that develops through different interpretations. By studying sign processes, signification and communication, she focuses on the idea and effect of gallery space

Her works are an investigation of concepts such as authenticity and objectivity by using knowledge of Art History. With a conceptual approach, she tries to grasp language. Transformed into art, language becomes an ornament. At that moment, lots of ambiguities and indistinctness, which are inherent. In her works such romantic values as ‘inspiration’, ‘genius’ and ‘authenticity’ are thereby neutralized and put into perspective. By parodying the cult of the artist, the works are inspired by the postmodern tradition of the “presence”.

link to PDF of Emily Rader's Document Book (complete Fall semester writings and research)