Tom Herck, born in 1984 in
Sint-Truiden,[1][2][3]Belgium, is a multidisciplinary Belgian artist currently residing in
Ordingen.[4][5] Drawing inspiration from his experiences in the underground
football culture, illegal
graffiti scene, and extensive travels worldwide, Herck's artistic expressions challenge societal norms with a rebellious and unconventional nature.[6][7][8]
Life and work
At the core of Herck's artistic exploration are
socio-political themes and existential inquiries.[9] His art delves into the complexities of human existence, addressing themes such as vanity, history, religion, extinction, evolution, and the cyclical nature of history.[10] Informed by personal experiences, family history, and exposure to outsider cultures, his creations serve as catalysts for cross-cultural dialogues.[11][12] Religion, especially Christianity, plays a pivotal role in his life and art. His installations",[13][14] such as "The Decline"[15][16][17] and "Holy Cow,"[18][19][20] have stirred public discourse.
Selected projects
Tom Herck is known for creating installations in public spaces, often taking on monumental forms. The 2016, "The Decline,"[15][16][17] garnered attention, resulting in protests and arrests, reflecting the impact of Herck's art on public discourse. Recently, Herck has taken his artistic projects abroad, including the "
Eurovision" sailing art installation in London and the monumental 'The Wall' installation at the Burning Man festival in Nevada, USA.[21][22][23][24][25]
Publications
Demystifying the Sacred: Blasphemy and Violence from the French Revolution to Today[26]
^Bouwers, Eveline; Nash, David (2022). Demystifying the Sacred: Blasphemy and Violence from the French Revolution to Today. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG.
ISBN9783110713091.