Iris Haussler

Canada

Iris Haussler

Canada

Born in Germany, Häussler pursued her studies in sculpture and conceptual art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, under the guidance of Heribert Sturm.

From an early stage, her conception of “sculpture” extended to encompass the broader context, including architectural, social, and historical aspects of the origin and destination. This perspective led her to construct site-specific installations, with her most notable works being immersive environments that explore fictional legacies within the art world.

Her multidimensional narratives center around imaginary characters and their unexpected artistic inheritances. Starting with meticulously crafted biographies, Häussler delves into the tangible remnants of these characters’ lives and creations, conducting research, collecting materials, and transforming them into intricate installations. Throughout this process, Häussler draws inspiration from her own studio work and engages in discussions and consultations with professionals and local experts from various domains such as historians, urbanists, architects, and filmmakers. Their insights and contributions are incorporated into the final presentations.

During the exhibition phase, visitors encounter disconcerting atmospheres within domestic residences, historic houses, and museum spaces. They are encouraged to piece together their own interpretations of Häussler’s characters by deciphering clues from the artifacts and participating in guided tours. Visitors often describe their experience as akin to “wandering through a three-dimensional novel.”

Due to Häussler’s fascination with the delicate boundary between fiction and reality, she often refrains from immediately disclosing her authorship or the fact that these installations are contemporary artworks.

Häussler’s artistic output enjoys international recognition. She was a recipient of the Kunstfonds stipend (Bonn) and was honored with the Karl Hofer Prize in 1999 (Berlin). In 2010, she participated in the Cape Farewell (UK) High Arctic Expedition. Since her migration to Canada, she has received grants from institutions such as the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council, the Chalmers Arts Fellowship, and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Artist's projects