Jan Van Eijgen (°1995, lives and works in Leuven) explores with mixed media and fungi how himself and others relate to deeply human phenomena such as suffering, transition and regeneration. Whether he is an artist, a doctor or an outsider, the results of these mind games functions as a conversation starter. He seeks out fields of tension and brings - whether or not far-fetched - analogies in seemingly very different research areas to light. From his dual background as a conceptual artist and doctor, he became mesmerized by, among other things, the use of fungi, which, as a visual material, seamlessly fit into this narrative. During the fall of 2022, Van Eijgen worked on a research project (together with other scientists, researchers and bio-artists) on coloring penicillium species through genetic transformation. He will show the results during the group exhibition 'ELAPSE' at maakleerplek.
Jan Van Eijgen is a resident at Studio Annext, a collaboration between Labora and Cas-co that focuses on emerging artists.