Francis Alÿs

Francis Alÿs is a Belgian-born, Mexico-based artist. His work emerges in the interdisciplinary space of art, architecture, and social practice. In 1986, Alÿs left behind his profession as an architect and relocated to Mexico City.

Role: director
01

art

03:48

Children’s Game #21: Hand Stack

Nerkzlia, Iraq, 2018; 3:49 min In collaboration with Ivan Boccara, Julien Devaux, and Félix Blume

02

art

13:33

Children’s Game #29: La roue

Lubumbashi, DR Congo, 2021; 8:43 min In collaboration with Rafael Ortega, Julien Devaux, and Félix Blume Over the city of Lubumbashi looms the mampala or slag heap of the Étoile du Congo cobalt mine, its lower slopes today sifted by the clandestins, lithium hunters who risk their lives to feed our global battery market. The film rests on dramatic contrasts – tiny bright figures against the expanse of darkness; a child who can barely see over the colossal tire he fights to push uphill. Then the adrenaline rush of rolling down inside it! Yet the song the kids invented “pushing, pushing” to solve post-industrial problems, gives faith in these young carriers of D.R. Congo’s future.

03

art

06:08

Children’s Game #18: Knucklebones

Kathmandu, Nepal, 2017; 6:08 min In collaboration with the Kathmandu International Art Festival

04

art

05:27

Francis Alÿs Children’s Game #22: Jump Rope

Hong Kong, 2020; 5:28 min In collaboration with Rafael Ortega, Julien Devaux, and Félix Blume

This website uses cookies.
By using this website and it's content, you accept these cookies.
Learn More