Pathology of Power

EMIRHAKIN received a grant to develop the project Pathology of Power. The concept of power has been embodied throughout history, often depicted as aging and male, with recognizable features such as facial expressions and commanding gestures, yet shrouded in mystery beyond superficial appearances. These powerful figures are typically clad in suits, in armored vehicles, and surrounded by an entourage that shields them. Represented as patriarchal figures, they are portrayed as the paternal guardians of nations, projecting an aura of sternness, inviolability, and a certain detachment from natural processes. But what lies beneath this facade? What does mortality signify for those whose authority seemingly extends over everything except the inevitability of physical decay? And how does this affect us, ordinary citizens subject to these power structures, eventually relying on our taxes? Pathology of Power unfolds these contemporary mythologies through the politics of frequencies and medical vocabularies to harness them into a spatial installation. He will collaborate with Jonas Lerch, a videographer/artist, to dissect the imagery of the power figures and unfold this patriarchal matrix.

As an artist, EMIRHAKIN explores contemporary politics’ influence on our human psyche, and poses urgent yet open questions about the unprecedented levels of ontological integrity. As his practice spans performance, video and installation, the artist investigates the unvisited depths of human capacity and translates them into visual (and non-visual) indexes. EMIRHAKIN completed his MA in Design in Sandberg Instituut in 2020. His performances have taken place in Rijksmuseum, EYE Museum, Stedelijk Museum, W139, De Appel, MACAO, and Q21, among others. In 2021 he was awarded the EYE Research LAB Award for Best Artwork.