Sweepers Clock is a recorded performance of two people sweeping trash for twelve hours. The film presents time in the format of a physical, labor-intensive process. It is part of the series, Real Time, which are 12-hour long performances indicating the time.

The Real Time series by artist Maartist Maarten Baas features films of Grandfather Clocks, Film Clocks, and a Schiphol Clock.

In Schiphol Clock, a working man can be seen painting the time minute by minute. The clock is installed in the international terminal of the Amsterdam airport. The worker’s blue overalls, yellow rag and red bucket pay homage to the famous Dutch artist, Mondrian.

Maarten features himself as an actor in the Self Portrait Clock for Carpenters Workshop Gallery.

This piece showcases the medium of time, and that time passing is labor intensive.

In 2016, Maarten won the ArtPrize for his Real Time Sweeper’s Clock.

Real Time is in the permanent collections of The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Victoria Museum Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, Maison Rouge Paris, Paris, France, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the Zuiderzee Museum, Netherlands.

images

Maarten Baas is often described as an “author-designer,” since his work straddles the boundaries between art and design. His work is known to be rebellious, playful, intellectual, theatrical and artistic. His work varies from conceptual designs, limited editions, production design, installations, public space, architecture, interior design, theater design, and performances.


Maarten is not an artist who works within one medium. He pushes the boundaries of “dos and don’ts” of design by creating cross-collaborative projects. He regularly combines architecture, interior design, theater design, and performances into his works.

In June 2002, Maarten Baas’ graduate collection from the Design Academy was a series of furniture called “Smoke” in which he burned furniture. His Smoke series was adopted by the Dutch label Moooi and became known worldwide.

In 2009 Martin was named ‘Designer of the Year’ at Design Basel/Miami, the youngest designer to be awarded the accolade.

instagram
website