Dutch artist Bob Demper's exhibition, titled "This Machine," to launch on May 28th at 5:00 PM, acquires extensive anticipation from TUR.
Headlines:1. Dive into the Fascinating Exhibition: "This Machine" by Bob Demper at TUR2. Bob Demper's Immersive Exploration of Power Structures and Technologies3. Riga Art Week Welcomes "This Machine" as Part of a Broader Contemporary Art Program
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Say hello to an exciting summer exhibition at TUR – "Untangling Lines of Connection" – a series of three thought-provoking solo exhibitions scrutinizing the architectures that mold modern life. Kicking off the series is "This Machine" by artist Bob Demper, who spent the past month at TUR as their artist-in-residence, crafting his exhibition right here in the space.
Bob Demper's art, rooted in filmmaking and expanded through installation and sculpture, delves deep into the intricate webs of power – primarily financial and technological. His captivating environments employ the familiar cues of Hollywood and corporate architecture to weave speculative interiors that mimic and critique the decision-making spaces of capital and control. Though these aren't mere representations – they're spaces dedicated to inquiry.
"This Machine" extends Demper's ongoing journey into "Black Box" financial models and the looming impact of quantum computing. Influenced by BlackRock's AI-powered Aladdin system and works such as Cathy O'Neil's "Weapons of Math Destruction" and Gregory Zuckerman's "The Man Who Solved the Market", the exhibition dissects the growing presence of systems that operate without transparency and somehow manage to outwit their creators. Try to guess who holds the reigns!
In "This Machine", Demper steps away from constructing fully immersive environments and opts for a dialogue with the raw architecture of TUR's space. Server racks, cabling systems, and a corporate conference speaker's table serve as the foundation for the installation, with scattered sculptural interventions and film fragments from Demper's evolving body of work scattered throughout. These elements are bonded not just by wire and structure, but by mood: an intriguing cocktail of absurdity, unease, and strange beauty.
"This Machine" invites viewers to partake in a fictionalized, sensorial encounter with technologies that govern the real-world economy – and increasingly, lives. Through sound, image, and spatial composition, Demper presents a playful yet disturbing portrait of the systems that guarantee efficiency while camouflaging risk. By shifting the focus to post-production processes, Demper slows down, reflects, and engages with his materials in a fresh way.
"This Machine" presents a mix of continuity and departure. It builds upon years of Demper's inquiry while allowing room for unresolved questions to resonate. Join us during Riga Art Week, as the exhibition becomes a part of a broader celebration of contemporary art across the city.
On Wednesday, May 29th, during RAW's "Gallery Late" program, Bob Demper drops by TUR for a series of artist-led tours, offering deep insights into the ideas and processes behind "This Machine". Furthermore, on Tuesday, June 11th, composer Ernests Vilsons presents "Artist Talk XVI" – a free concert that responds to the exhibition through music, delving into the central themes in a distinct musical format.
"This Machine" is spearheaded by Exhibition Curator Edd Schouten, Project Manager Kristīne Ercika, and supported by Production Support Ada Ruszkiewicz, Technical Support Tils Zigmunds Ozoliņš, Maksimilians Kotovičs, and the TUR Team, Graphic Design Andris Kaļiņins, Cast Rick van Uum, Cinematography Pedro Gossler, Special Make-up Rob Hillebrink, AV Show Design Tim Demper. The exhibition is backed by VKKF and STROOM, with the artist talk concert supported by Riga City Council.
About Bob Demper:Bob Demper, born in 1991 in the Netherlands, is an artist based in The Hague. Steeped in filmmaking, Demper's practice spans film, installation, video, and sculpture. Characterized by a meticulous consideration of structures of power, particularly as reflected in financial systems, corporate aesthetics, and emerging technologies, Demper's work has made appearances in institutions such as 1646 (The Hague), Museum Helmond, and Art Rotterdam. He has also participated in numerous group exhibitions and screenings across Europe. His current research delves into the sociopolitical repercussions of algorithmic and automated financial models through speculative environments that fuse cinematic tropes with sculptural precision.
About TUR, Contemporary Space for Art:TUR organizes seven contemporary art exhibitions annually – three solo exhibitions during the winter months, three in the summer, and a group exhibition in the fall. Dedicated to enriching Riga's contemporary art scene, TUR offers a platform for experimentation, collaboration, and close engagement with select artists to produce high-quality, curated exhibitions. By merging the characteristics of traditional white cube spaces with the building's industrial past, TUR encourages artists to create new work beyond their usual practices. Since its inception, TUR has hosted contemporary art exhibitions concurrently with concerts, performances, and poetry readings linked to its programs. Three of TUR's exhibitions have been nominated for the 2025 Purvītis Prize: "Folding Lines" by Luīze Rukšane, "Voices in My Heads" by Rūdolfs Štamers, and "Lapa uz lapas" by Maija Kurševa, each receiving critical acclaim.
TUR_telpa is a non-profit art initiative supported by the Latvian State Culture Capital Foundation. To stay updated on exhibitions and events, follow TUR on Instagram (@tur_telpa) and Facebook (TUR).
- As Bob Demper delves into the interactions between finance and technology, his bold exploration serves as a reminder of how these systems can influence our culture and environment.
- Over the course of Riga Art Week, visitors can explore "This Machine" and witness how technology's impact on our lives extends beyond its raw architecture, reaching finance, culture, and the environment.
