AVL was founded in 1995 by Joep van Lieshout. The name Atelier Van Lieshout emphasises the fact that the works of art do not stem solely from the creative brain of Joep van Lieshout, but are produced by a creative team.
The works of art are practical, uncomplicated and substantial. They vary from sculptures and furniture, bathrooms and mobile home units to complete architectural refurbishments.
Among the many applications and techniques used by AVL are the large polyester constructions in striking, bright colours. These polyester constructions, of which the large mobile home units are the best known, form the AVL trademark. For a number of years now the focus has no longer been on standardised, made-to-order furniture, but has shifted to works of art that can be used for a selfsufficient and independent lifestyle. In addition to this development and the production of applied art, the Atelier also realises many autonomous art projects.
In 2001 Atelier Van Lieshout realised AVL-Ville, a ‘free state’ in the port of Rotterdam.
This large-scale project forms a high point in the work of AVL; it is a culmination of all the works produced by AVL up to that time. After a successful and tumultuous year, the AVL-Ville project was completed. AVL has recently located its first AVL-Ville export product in Park Middelheim in Antwerp: the AVL Franchise Unit. For the AVL-Ville website click here.
Recently, AVL developed a style where the absence of design has become an important issue, using industrial materials such as galvanized steel tubes used for scaffolding, and sheets of unfinished plywood. Their raw functionality stands in contrast with the series of colourful polyester sculptures that AVL produced recently: human figures in various postures and actions, but also a complete series of human internal organs, ranging from heart and brain to liver, rectum and the male and female sex organs.
