Artists

Oliver Ressler

Press release

Scenes from the Invention of Democracy features the work of Austrian artist Oliver Ressler (b. 1970) who for many years has been operating at the interface of art and activism. The show presents four video works, all of which turn on political, social and environmental issues. Ressler aims to stimulate critical reflection on the status quo while highlighting the options for direct action open to those who seek change. Engaging with subjects such as democracy, work, migration and the environment, all of which are inextricably interwoven and similarly exposed to the impacts of globalisation and capitalism, Ressler trains his critical gaze on political systems, the influence of economics and how we are treating our planet. By documenting protests and acts of civil disobedience, Ressler encourages us to ponder existing power structures as well as the scope for action open to those wanting to bring about political and social change.