As always, visual art will make up the rich tapestry of creative experiences at Roadburn this year. We’re thrilled to present an exhibition by Lucile Lejoly, titled <<deeper>> at the NS16 throughout the four days of Roadburn. Lucile’s artwork was the visual backdrop to Roadburn Redux online and we’re so honoured to present a real life, in the flesh exhibit of her work. We’ll also showcase the work of two local artists at the NS16 – Nina van de Ven and Marit Biemans.

At the 013 we’ll show the work of photographers Peter Troest and David Fitt (who were handpicked by William Lacalmontie for the task) who are both skilled at capturing our favourite performers both on and off the stage.

We urge you to make a little time to spend with these visual artists at some point throughout your trip to Roadburn.

Lucile Lejoly
In 2021, when in-person Roadburn existed in a state of suspended animation we gathered up the spirit of the festival and channeled it into an online iteration, maintaining as many hallmarks and cornerstones of the ‘real’ festival as we could. So, needless to say, visual art played a significant part of that, and the images that accompanied Roadburn Redux were courtesy of French multimedia artist, Lucile Lejoly.

Two years later, we’re delighted to finally be hosting an exhibition of her work at Roadburn – titled <<deeper>> – most definitely in person, real and in the flesh. Lucile is a dedicated Roadburner herself which makes this exhibition all the more meaningful for us; great talent walks among us and it’s such an honour to be able to present her evocative works at the festival. 

Lucile is well known for her work as a tattoo artist, but she also works with photography, sculpture, and line drawing to create work that revolves around themes such as climate and environment, psychology, the human body and trauma. Her creations are often emotionally charged and poetic.

We’re delighted that Lucile will curate an exhibition of her own work at the NS16 gallery in Tilburg that will be open throughout Roadburn – for both Roadburn attendees and local residents alike. You are invited to take some time out from the audio stimulation to sit in contemplation of Lucile’s contemplations on the world – be they luscious and dreamlike, or stark and challenging. 

It feels like this exhibition has been a long time coming; time away from each other seemed to have warped time itself. Lucile Lejoly will provide a focal point, a link to the past and a bridge to the future. Join us as we step into her world. 

Lucile Lejoly will exhibit her work at the NS16

Opening times
Thursday – Saturday 12:00 – 20:00
Sunday 12:00 – 17:00


Peter Troest

You’ll have seen Peter’s photography on our social channels during and after previous editions of Roadburn. With an eye for perfectly capturing the mood of any given performance, Peter’s skill truly lies in preserving the visual story that accompanies memorable shows. Each year he makes the trip over from Denmark and moves stealth-like through the photopits of Roadburn working his magic with understated poise. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to share his work with Roadburners in a new way this year – his work will adorn half of the frames that hang in the 013 venue.
As you rush between shows, take a moment to pause and appreciate this underrated talent.

David Fitt.
Having been gifted his first camera as a teenager, it took a few years for his interest in the medium to truly blossom. Once it did, he was hooked – specifically shooting live performances of artists such as Alcest, Perturbator and Regarde Les Hommes Tomber. For the past nine years he has been a full time photographer, also working with household name brands such as AirBnB and Nestlé. Unsurprisingly it’s his work in the music world that we’re showcasing during Roadburn. His evocative portraits will hang in frames at the 013 venue for the duration of the festival.

 

Nina van de Ven
The assembly of references of historical and contemporary visual language is characteristic to Nina’s artwork. From Ancient Greek vases to modern battle jackets; from the culture of the Vikings to Temptation Island; by associatively combining elements of these different cultures and histories, a new story is created. 

The series  ‘Vests & Jackets’  consisting of charcoal- and pastel drawings of vests and battle jackets onto which diverse symbols and icons are illustrated, almost like a collage, represent the common thread in Nina’s work. Depictions of historical myths, occult artefacts, ornaments and religious symbols are pictured equally besides Adidas and Marco Polo logo’s, Polly Pocket and a fairly happy-looking potato with a napkin tucked under its chin – a sticker she saw on the side of a truck and ended up in her sketchbook. Bringing these symbols together results in a non-hierarchic play between the ‘signifier’ (a sign’s physical form) and the ‘signified’ (the actual meaning).

Key to this series is working within the confines of a limited space. The surface of a battle jacket can only carry so much badges or signs to form an identity or represent a story, similar to how a story on an Ancient Greek vase must be told within the size and shape of that vase. This challenge combined with the fact that these items are often part of mass-production and are sensitive to trends, is what makes these objects fascinating for Nina to work with.

The artworks give a sense of openness and pleasure through the associative freedom that Nina takes in creating them, arising from researching a diverse body of topics she makes her own. And just like Nina is aware that our lives today are shaped by and connected to our past; history, contemporary pop culture and trends are brought together in her work, creating an alternative narrative.

 

Marit Biemans
In works on paper, textile and photography Marit deals with cyclical processes that encompass the physical and spiritual existence in and around us, which manifests itself beyond measurable boundaries as one living environment. Carefully, this environment is created with pen, needle and light. Where both biotic and abiotic eyes, ears, noses and mouths can see, hear, smell, taste and feel. Where one blends seamlessly into the other, or becomes fertile ground for a new layer in this sphere. The works can be seen as a small hymn to the silliness and the beauty of that which feels so essential – the being of the being