Austrian-born, Brussels-based Kurt Ryslavy describes himself as a conceptual artist, poet and wine merchant. The latter job in particular – from which he earns his living – occupies an important place in his practice. He thematises his activities as a wine merchant in his work. For instance, on his day off – Sunday – he makes ‘factures décoratives’ [decorative invoices] using thick layers of paint and deliberately expressionistic handwriting. Addressed to his customers, they include his VAT number, bank account details and the number and type of bottles of wine delivered.
The work and thinking of Ryslavy, who is both an artist and a wine merchant, has for years played out on the border between art – the object – and the market where this art is traded and made the subject of capitalism. With great precision and pointed humour, Ryslavy knows how to challenge this theme time and time again.
