Atelier van Lieshout

The Technocrat:

The exhibited piece is part of a larger, rather impressive installation called the Technocrat. In its full version it will consist of the following elements:

- The Total Faecal Solution: a biogas installation that is currently exhibited in this year's edition of the Venice Biennale. It will afterwards be completed with a water tower, automatic composter and an ecological reed filter. - An automatic food processor that prepares food using only a minimum of costs and material but with just enough nutritious value to feed people. - An alcohol factory, two stories high, that automatically makes hard liquor to keep the people drowsed. - A distribution system for the food and alcohol, and large bunk beds. The food and alcohol are pumped into the people's mouths while they are lying in the bunk beds in minimal quantities, calculated by medical doctors and nutrition experts.

Their excrements are sucked out at the other end of the people's intestines and are transported to the biogas installation. The human being in this installation is reduced to only just a cog in the machine called society. AVL will produce the automatic food processor and the water tower especially for the Art Center of Brétigny, where it will be shown for the first time ever.

The Edutainer:

The Edutainer consists of two 20ft shipping containers that are connected to each other in such a way that they create a total surface of about 6 by 6 metres. The interior of the Edutainer is covered with unfinished wood and is equipped with several windows and doors, desks, shelves, a large meeting table, and a projection surface. One of the walls contains a large hole that gives access to the lounge tank. This big, steel, insulated tank is refurbished as a cosy place suitable for individual or group gatherings, for communication or just for relaxation. Next to the Edutainer is a water tower that forms a link with the exhibition taking place inside the art centre. AVL, August 2003.

Atelier van Lieshout