Louidgi Beltrame
Jadu Ghar (House of Magic) n°2
2014

Black and white photography, silver print on baryta paper mounted on aluminium and wood, 60x40 cm.

This image after a series of four photographs was taken in the geology section of the Indian Museum in Calcutta before it closed in 2013 for renovation. This institution is the first Indian museum founded in 1814 by the “Asiatic Society of Bengal.” Its first curator, Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, was a time Super-Intendant of the botanical garden in Calcutta on behalf of the “East India Company”.

Atelier Van Lieshout (AVL) is a multidisciplinary company that operates internationally in the field of contemporary art, design and architecture. AVL was founded in 1995 by Joep van Lieshout. The name Atelier Van Lieshout emphasises the fact that the works of art do not stem solely from the creative brain of Joep van Lieshout, but are produced by a creative team.

The works of art are practical, uncomplicated and substantial. The work varies from sculptures and, bathrooms and mobile home units to complete architectural refurbishments. One of the many applications and techniques used by AVL are the large polyester constructions in striking, bright colours. These polyester constructions, of which the large mobile home units are the best known, form the AVL trademark. For a number of years now the focus has no longer been on standardised, made-to-orde furniture r furniture, but has shifted to works of art that can be used for a selfsufficient and independent lifestyle. In addition to this development and the production of applied art, the Atelier also realises many autonomous art projects