Ives Maes

Ives Maes is a multidisciplinary artist known for his work in installations and photography. His long-term projects revolve around temporary architecture, nomadism, ruination, and ephemerality.

Biography of Ives Maes

Ives Maes, born in Hasselt in 1976, now resides and works in Antwerp. His creative journey began with a study of sculpture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent, Belgium. Notably, he participated in artistic residencies at HISK Antwerp (1999-2001), the Bagfactory in Johannesburg (2005), and Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin (2008-2009). Adding to his accomplishments, he dedicated the years from 2012 to 2018 to pursue a Ph.D. in the Arts at KASK School of Arts & University Ghent. Furthermore, Maes has been affiliated as a postdoctoral artistic researcher with the KASK School of Arts and the Hogent Arts Research Fund since 2018.

In 2004, Maes started his Recyclable Refugee Camp project, envisioning biodegradable living units for displaced individuals. Among the creations were vanishing pavilions and latrines crafted from resin and hemp. Additionally, the project included controversial items like biodegradable anti-personnel mines.

Since 2008, his artistic journey has led him to create the photographic series "The Future of Yesterday." Through this project, Ives Maes extensively traveled the world, capturing the remnants of architectural heritage from World's Fairs. These expos once projected utopian visions of the future, but the reality often reveals the poorly conserved architecture and neglected monuments — a compelling juxtaposition between utopia and dystopia that he skillfully immortalizes in his series.

Another remarkable endeavor, "Sunville," saw Maes blending photography and installation art. This series found its inspiration in his Belgian hometown, Zonhoven, and its name's translation. The project became a deeply personal quest, delving into the artist's memories and evoking specific locations from his past.

Currently, the artist is working on a new research project titled "Forbidden Fruits Create Many Jams." This exploration connects the concept of the camera obscura pavilion to the perception of paradise.