Boris Deben (b. 2002, Brussels, Belgium) is a visual artist currently based in Amsterdam. His multidisciplinary practice encompasses sculpture, installation, drawings, and digital media, including 3D modeling and video projection.

Working with a diverse array of materials, Boris combines found objects, electrical machinery, and traditional art mediums such as wood and plaster. Through the integration of electrical machinery, he infuses found objects or materials with life, embedding them with human-like qualities such as movement, speech or touch. These elements are central to his practice, inviting viewers to reconsider the identities of objects and human life itself. By abstracting human capacities, Boris searches for new social logics, blending the established meanings of objects with newfound abilities to create assemblages that offer new interpretations and possibilities.

Fictional narratives form a critical backbone of Boris’s work, addressing the relationship between the human body, technological advancements, and contemporary socio-economic contexts. His exploration is deeply informed by queer theory, which serves as a philosophical framework within his practice. This theoretical approach allows him to engage with themes of identity and fluidity, challenging conventional norms while fostering self-reflection on his role as a maker. Through this lens, Boris critiques societal structures, embedding personal and cultural significance into his work.

Non-linearity and hybridity are essential elements in Boris’s artistic practice. His process often begins with drawings, which act as the foundation for his ideas. These drawings are then transformed into other forms, including installations, sculptures, or video work. By reinterpreting conventional concepts, Boris liberates them from their realistic essence and immerses them in abstraction. This process of exploring and expelling conventionalities results in a vibrant and spontaneous visual language.

Movement and change are constants in Boris’s work, which positions the spectator at its core. His immersive approach fosters a dynamic dialogue between the artwork and the observer.

Boris Deben holds a BFA from KASK in Ghent (Belgium) and is currently completing his MFA at the Sandberg Instituut in Amsterdam (Netherlands).