Leo Copers Belgium, b. 1947

Biography
LEO COPERS (°1947. Ghent, Belgium) is mostly known for his sculptures, installations and performances, and has since the beginning of his artistic practice obtained a unique place in the Belgian art scene.
 
Going against the tide, Copers started to reintroduce metaphors and symbols into a visually conceptual practice. By using antagonistic objects, in surreal and alienating combinations, he aims at creating tensions, both figuratively and literally. His objects and installations are on – and often over – the edge of being alarmingly dangerous and destructive and thus challenge our built-in expectations in a very visceral way.  Water, fire and electricity for example are often connected in a way that makes us cringe with fear while being moved by its poetic beauty. On the verge of danger, on the edge of life.
 
For Copers the material results and their effect on the audience are superior to the mere thought process from which the work originated. He leaves behind the sterile, uninvolved conceptual art of his peers.
 
His work can be seen as a link between the minimalist visual language of his generation, fluxus and the Belgian legacy of anti-establishment irony and poetic surrealism.
 
In 2018 the leading Belgian art institutes S.M.A.K. Ghent, M HKA Antwerp, Middelheimmuseum Antwerp and BOZAR Brussels, celebrated Leo Coper’s 50th anniversary as an artist with unique solo exhibitions and the publication of a new book ‘Leo Copers, Dreams are made of this’, the most detailed overview of his work so far.
 
Works
  • Leo Copers, N'importe Quoi, 2022
    N'importe Quoi, 2022
  • Leo Copers, N'importe Quoi (Japanese), 2022
    N'importe Quoi (Japanese), 2022
  • Leo Copers, Borstbeeld Unselfie (Brons), 2019
    Borstbeeld Unselfie (Brons), 2019
  • Leo Copers, Unselfies, 2016
    Unselfies, 2016
  • Leo Copers, Untitled, 2015-2016
    Untitled, 2015-2016
  • Leo Copers, Not Dreamed, 2009
    Not Dreamed, 2009
  • Leo Copers, Golden Leo, 2004
    Golden Leo, 2004
  • Leo Copers, Rotonde AVOG (GA) - Rotonde AVOG (STOP) , 2004
    Rotonde AVOG (GA) - Rotonde AVOG (STOP) , 2004
  • Leo Copers, Cilindervormige AVOG, 2003
    Cilindervormige AVOG, 2003
  • Leo Copers, Nacht & Dag, 2003
    Nacht & Dag, 2003
  • Leo Copers, Jail (House) Rock Forever, 2001
    Jail (House) Rock Forever, 2001
  • Leo Copers, Voluntary Public Prison, 2000
    Voluntary Public Prison, 2000
  • Leo Copers, Untitled, 1997-2000
    Untitled, 1997-2000
  • Leo Copers, Z.T., 1997
    Z.T., 1997
  • Leo Copers, Studie Vleugel, 1990
    Studie Vleugel, 1990
  • Leo Copers, Mijn schoenen 85/18, 1985
    Mijn schoenen 85/18, 1985
  • Leo Copers, Untitled, 1979
    Untitled, 1979
  • Leo Copers, Study Hood, 1978
    Study Hood, 1978
  • Leo Copers, Night, 1976-1990
    Night, 1976-1990
  • Leo Copers, Lampadaire, 1974
    Lampadaire, 1974
Exhibitions
Art Fairs
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