Javier Téllez



Year and place of birth: 1969, Valencia, Venezuela Location: New York, USA

As a son of psychiatrists, Javier Téllez grew up in an environment where the mentally ill were part of his daily life. In his film projects, he engages in potent collaborations most often with groups who are 'invisible', such as psychiatric patients or people with disabilities. On the basis of both documentary and fictitious elements, the participants rewrite, in collaboration with the artist, classical myths, collective memories and historical chronicles. By actively involving the marginalized, people without basic rights, 'outsiders' in his work process, Téllez creates a worthy, non-stereotypical image of them. The artist gives them a voice and questions the notion of normality and pathology in our society.

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