Frans Vermeulen

Frans Vermeulen is a Dutch artist recognized for his diverse multimedia creations, including films, performances, sculptures, installations, and music. Initially working under his own name and later as Syndicaat Alex Vermeulen, he has exclusively used the moniker SOH Alex Vermeulen since 2015. Vermeulen's artistic practice is deeply rooted in a fascination with cinema, which led him to develop a distinctive form of 'film books.' Unlike traditional documentation, his film books present imaginary films, blurring the lines between reality and the reader's perception. This exploration of the interplay between the real and the imagined is a recurring theme in his body of work.

Vermeulen's artistic journey began after studying psychology, philosophy, architecture, and design. Early influences included filmmakers like Claude Chabrol and Georges Méliès, as well as experimental films. His career gained significant recognition in 1984 through a long-term collaboration with the Van Abbemuseum. In 1995, he founded the SOH-States of Humanity foundation and Syndicaat, later registering "SOH" as a trademark for his artistic output. His work often delves into themes concerning the relationship between the individual and society, exploring concepts such as religion, violence, spirituality, and sexuality, representing the contemporary 'zeitgeist' through various artistic mediums.

Frans Vermeulen's artistic practice is characterized by a profound engagement with film, leading him to innovate the concept of the 'film book.' While typically used to document existing films, Vermeulen's versions presented narratives of imaginary films, ingeniously blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction for the audience. These works often incorporated his sculptures as props within the film stills, further enhancing the thematic exploration of the space between imagination and the tangible world. His early artistic development was influenced by a diverse range of cinematic styles and directors, including the Nouvelle Vague and absurdist cinema, alongside a deep appreciation for the fantastical worlds created by pioneers like Georges Méliès. This unique approach to film documentation became a signature element of his oeuvre.

Since 1996, Vermeulen has developed 'States of Humanity' (SOH), a comprehensive art project conceived as a 'Gesamtkunstwerk' or total work of art. Operating under the name SOH Alex Vermeulen, this project investigates the complex intersections of the individual and society, addressing themes such as religion, violence, individualism, spirituality, and sexuality. Vermeulen utilizes a wide array of media, including films, photographs, sculptures, installations, and music, often through interdisciplinary collaborations with figures like architect Greg Lynn and composer David Shea. The SOH project aims to capture and question the essence of the current 'zeitgeist,' exploring fundamental societal mechanisms, future trajectories, and contemporary dilemmas. Each facet of SOH emerges from subjective contributions by various participants, fostering a multifaceted exploration of these themes.

Vermeulen first garnered significant recognition in 1984 through an extended collaboration with the Van Abbemuseum, which included exhibitions and acquisitions for their permanent collection. His move to Amsterdam in 1993 marked the founding of SOH-States of Humanity and the Syndicaat foundation in 1995. A notable development was the introduction of 'Eggy,' a stylized humanoid character with an egg-like shape, first presented in 1996. In subsequent years, sculptures of Eggy were featured in public installations worldwide, notably in New York, where Vermeulen engaged passersby to discuss their connection to the sculptures, leading to the documentary film 'States of Humanity.' This film, premiering in 1997, became a pivotal work in his career, documenting the initial six Eggy sculptures through the perspectives of New Yorkers.